23-year-old Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist associated with Donald Trump, did not plead guilty on Tuesday in Utah region Court.
Judge Tony Graf appealed to the prosecution's argument to have “overwhelming” evidence that Robinson had fired a shot, hitting Kirk's neck as he spoke to a multi-thousandth crowd last September in Orem, Utah.
According to the AP agency, after the judge's decision, 1 of Robinson's defenders made a message on his behalf that he was not guilty.
Robinson's lawyers tried to block the trial, arguing that the D.A.'s office did not show that Kirk's shooting put the life of a individual close him at risk. This is an aggravating condition which legally enables the death punishment to be ruled against Robinson.
Kirk's household described this ruling as a “important step in our family's pursuit of justice”.
"Every phase of this process carries the burden of everything that Charlie's death has deprived his family, especially his children who will grow up without a father. We are grateful to everyone who prayed for us constantly, supported us and stood by us for this year of unimaginable mourning," says the household statement.
According to prosecutors, Robinson shot Kirk off the roof of a building over 120 metres distant and could easy miss, wound, or kill another people.
AB, PAP
