Death penalty? Here’s the potential sentence for suspect Tyler Robinson in Charlie Kirk’s murder

Utah Governor Spencer Cox named Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Washington, Utah, as the main suspect in the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk.

Robinson is being held without bail in a Utah jail on multiple initial state charges, including aggravated murder. The Utah County Attorney’s Office has revealed that charges will be filed related to the shooting on Tuesday, September 16, the same day Robinson is due in court for the first time.

The Utah County Attorney’s Office is reviewing evidence that will determine which charges are formally filed against Robinson.

Trump and state officials call for death penalty

In a Friday morning interview, former President Donald Trump expressed his wish for the suspected shooter to receive the death penalty. Governor Cox later confirmed in a press briefing that state officials “will pursue the death penalty.”

Aggravated murder and capital punishment criteria

Aggravated murder is among the offenses listed in a probable cause affidavit filed by a state officer, who stated Robinson shot Kirk “in a circumstance that put many around him at grave risk of death.”

According to MSNBC, prosecutors must prove a defendant “created a great risk of death” to at least one other person for a death sentence to be imposed in Utah.

As Kirk was speaking to a crowd of people Utah Valley University, the criteria for a potential death sentence appear to have been met.

Capital punishment in Utah

Utah is one of 27 U.S. states where capital punishment is legal. Executions in the state are carried out either by lethal injection or firing squad, per Death Penalty Information Center.

In addition to state charges, Robinson could also face separate prosecution in federal court for the same alleged offense.

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