Lawyers for accused Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson are again asking a Utah judge to block cameras from the courtroom, this time ahead of a hearing where a trial date could be set — as they warn that scrutiny over the cost of his defense may be creating a risk to his right to a fair trial.The hearing is not expected to include witness testimony, but Robinson's lawyers argue that ongoing coverage of Kirk's murder could have an "incremental adverse effect" that outweighs the benefit of video coverage to the public's understanding of court proceedings."Only a few weeks ago, the media reported on costs associated with the defense," his lawyers wrote Monday in an opposition filing from local media to send a camera to cover the Oct.23 hearing.
"Against that backdrop, statements by defense counsel at the upcoming proceeding concerning the time and resources necessary to prepare this case are likely to be examined and disseminated in real time through social media and other media channels and viewed through the lens of cost, rather than in the context of Mr.Robinson’s constitutional rights to the effective assistance of counsel, a fair trial, due process of law, and a reliable penalty determination."JUDGE IN ACCUSED ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON'S CASE EXPLAIN WHY DEATH PENALTY REMAINS ON TABLETyler Robinson, left, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, points with defense attorney Kathryn Nester during a hearing in 4th District Court in Provo on Friday, Jan.
16, 2026.(Bethany Baker/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utah County had paid $1.6 million to Robinson's legal team as of last month, exhausting a special $1 million earmark from the state.
High-profile murder cases can cost millions to defend, especially if they go to trial.GOT A TIP?Overhead typically includes expert witnesses, defense investigations, lab testing and more.Some experts have predicted Robinson's defense could cost as much as $10 million.JUDGE ALLOWS CAME...