Judge faces ‘biggest legal case in Utah history’ in Charlie Kirk killing: lawyer

Two Utah attorneys say newly appointed Decide Tony Graf will deliver equity, expertise and steadfast management to the state’s most carefully watched homicide case, a case being referred to as “the most important trial in Utah historical past.”

Lawyer Skye Lazaro advised Fox Information Digital that she expects Graf will method the high-profile proceedings involving Tyler Robinson, charged with the homicide of Charlie Kirk, with diligence and poise.

“He is very conscientious… very trustworthy,” Lazaro mentioned. “I might count on that he’ll take his oath of workplace very significantly in dealing with this case.”

Graf, who was a longtime prosecutor in Utah earlier than his appointment to the court docket, will oversee the lead case in opposition to Robinson, accused of the high-profile homicide of the founding father of Turning Level USA. Lazaro, who has identified Graf professionally for years, says his background offers beneficial expertise however doesn’t compromise impartiality.

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Fourth District Courtroom Decide Tony Graf reads the charging paperwork as Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect within the capturing of Charlie Kirk, appeared on digital camera for his first court docket look on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Scott G. Winterton/Pool through Deseret Information)

“He’s aware of the felony justice system. I do not assume that can influence his statements come what may,” she mentioned. “He’ll determine pretty, as finest he can, based mostly on what’s in entrance of him.”

Lawyer Nathan Evershed, who has no connection to the Robinson case however beforehand labored with Graf, advised Fox Information Digital: “Not solely is that this case large, it might actually be the most important authorized case in Utah historical past. There hasn’t actually been a case like this of such not solely nationwide however worldwide significance.”

He famous that Graf had been on the bench “lower than two months” when he was assigned the case, calling the appointment “apparently… arbitrarily assigned.”

Evershed, who labored with Graf within the Salt Lake County District Lawyer’s Workplace, described him as “very diligent, very hardworking,” somebody who “bought there early, understood his enterprise and actually cared about doing the precise factor.”

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Decide Tony Graf enters the courtroom as Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally capturing Charlie Kirk, attends a digital listening to from jail on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 in Provo, Utah. (Scott G Winterton/The Deseret Information through AP, Pool)

Though Graf has no authorized expertise, Evershed mentioned he brings “years and hundreds of hours of courtroom expertise” from his time as a prosecutor. “He is been in court docket many occasions… He was a prosecutor for a lot of, a few years,” he mentioned.

Evershed referred to as the case a “career-defining second” not only for Graf, however for “actually everybody concerned on this case.”

“It’ll be one thing that is going to be within the information for a very long time, particularly right here in Utah,” he mentioned. “I’ve little question this may go to trial… over a number of weeks and… very carefully scrutinized.”

WATCH: Lawyer says newly appointed choose is within the highlight in Charlie Kirk homicide case

Lazaro emphasised that Graf’s dedication to a judicial steadiness, between the rights of victims and the constitutional protections of the suspect, will probably be important in a case already steeped in public consideration.

“All judges… take their oath very significantly,” she mentioned. “A part of that’s being unbiased and making judgments based mostly on the info and the legislation… I might count on him to do his utmost to be neutral and uphold his obligation to the workplace.”

Lazaro described the rising variety of demise penalty circumstances in Utah County as “considerably distinctive or unlucky” for a newly appointed choose to face so early in his time period.

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Reserving pictures for Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect within the homicide of Turning Level USA founder Charlie Kirk in Utah. (Utah Gov. Spencer Cox)

“There’s a very steep studying curve from working towards legislation to sitting on the bench,” she mentioned. “However that does not imply he will not do an excellent job. This case will probably be scrutinized for years to come back.”

Lazaro famous that capital circumstances place nice skilled and private stress not solely on attorneys and court docket workers, but in addition on the judges who preside over them.

“Loss of life penalty circumstances are tough… and whenever you add media and political stress – and early requires the demise penalty – it turns into much more tough,” she mentioned. “It takes a toll on everybody concerned.”

Regardless of the nationwide consideration on the case, Lazaro mentioned a change of venue is unlikely.

“I did not count on this case to vary venue except it was acted upon by the protection or a battle arose,” Lazaro mentioned. “You are not going to get a extra favorable jury in case you change areas as a result of it is nationally identified… everyone seems to be speaking about this case.”

Whereas acknowledging the challenges, Lazaro expressed confidence in Graf’s means and honesty.

“Anybody appointed to the court docket is taken into account competent and skilled sufficient to deal with any sort of case,” they mentioned. “I would not wish to be in his sneakers, however I count on him to do his finest.”

EX-US lawyer warns prosecutors might face many hurdles in Charlie Kirk’s alleged homicide case

The outside of the Fourth Courtroom the place Tyler Robinson appeared through video for his first court docket look in Provo, Utah, Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Robinson is charged with the homicide of Charlie Kirk. (Derek Shook for Fox Information Digital)

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Describing Graf’s conduct, Evershed mentioned, “He has a really calming demeanor. I believe he additionally has a really sturdy presence. He’s somebody who doesn’t simply again down from his beliefs.”

He mentioned this Graf will turn out to be useful because the case unfolds beneath intense nationwide consideration and certain “years of appellate overview.”

“It is a demise penalty case,” Evershed mentioned. “If the demise penalty is launched, this will probably be a matter that will probably be scrutinized very carefully by way of judicial selections, orders, assessments and rulings on proof.”

“Your coronary heart actually goes out to him,” Evershed added. “You’d hope you’ve no less than 10 years of expertise beneath your belt coping with these sorts of quagmires. On this case he had lower than two months.”

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“I consider Decide Graf has an excellent understanding of the Utah judiciary,” he mentioned. “He’s an skilled lawyer. He’s somebody who’s cautious. He’s somebody who likes to indicate respect to everybody within the courtroom.”

“He isn’t somebody who will prematurely put his thumb on the dimensions for sure outcomes,” Evershed added. “He understands his position … of judicial restraint and making certain that circumstances are dealt with appropriately.”

Evershed mentioned the case will probably be lengthy and sophisticated, however believes Graf is ready for the problem.

“The variety of hearings… the variety of motions that will probably be filed… we will not even calculate that,” he mentioned. “Will probably be an extended, lengthy street, however we are going to get there finally.”

Fox Information Digital reached out to the Utah Administrative Workplace of the Courts.

Stepheny Worth covers crime together with lacking individuals, murders and migrant crime. Ship story tricks to stepheny.worth@fox.com.