Prosecutors Cite Engraved Bullet In Charlie Kirk Killing
12 hours ago
Prosecutors in the murder case against Tyler Robinson are pointing to an engraved bullet as evidence that conservative activist Charlie Kirk was targeted because of his politics.
Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder and other crimes in Kirk’s killing at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. He has not yet entered a plea.
In a court filing Tuesday, prosecutors said a bullet found in the suspected murder weapon carried the inscription, “Hey Fascist! CATCH!” They argue the message is an “overt political reference” that helps establish Robinson’s alleged political motivation.
Prosecutors also cited an alleged text message from Robinson about Kirk that said he had “enough of his hatred.” Robinson’s attorneys have argued the message alone is not sufficient to prove that the killing was politically motivated.
The issue could have major implications for Robinson’s potential punishment.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and argue that targeting Kirk because of his political views qualifies as an aggravating factor supporting capital punishment.
Investigators have also presented DNA evidence they say links Robinson to the suspected murder weapon and a tool allegedly used to engrave the ammunition.
Defense attorneys have questioned the reliability of some of that evidence.
A judge is expected to hear additional arguments from both sides on Sept. 1 before deciding whether the case should advance to trial.
Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder and other crimes in Kirk’s killing at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. He has not yet entered a plea.
In a court filing Tuesday, prosecutors said a bullet found in the suspected murder weapon carried the inscription, “Hey Fascist! CATCH!” They argue the message is an “overt political reference” that helps establish Robinson’s alleged political motivation.
Prosecutors also cited an alleged text message from Robinson about Kirk that said he had “enough of his hatred.” Robinson’s attorneys have argued the message alone is not sufficient to prove that the killing was politically motivated.
The issue could have major implications for Robinson’s potential punishment.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and argue that targeting Kirk because of his political views qualifies as an aggravating factor supporting capital punishment.
Investigators have also presented DNA evidence they say links Robinson to the suspected murder weapon and a tool allegedly used to engrave the ammunition.
Defense attorneys have questioned the reliability of some of that evidence.
A judge is expected to hear additional arguments from both sides on Sept. 1 before deciding whether the case should advance to trial.
