EXPECTED

Trial date set

If bound over, the court will schedule arraignment and a trial date at a status conference.

EXPECTED · SEP 1, 2026

Closing arguments & bindover decision

Court reconvenes at 10 a.m.; each side gets two hours to argue. Judge Graf then rules on probable cause — whether the case proceeds to trial on the aggravated-murder charge.

TODAY · JUL 13, 2026

In recess until September 1

With testimony complete, the case pauses so both sides can prepare legal briefs ahead of closing arguments. No plea has been entered; the state continues to seek the death penalty.

JUL 10, 2026

Preliminary hearing concludes, day 5 — continued to September

Prosecutors call the evidence "overwhelming" while the defense questions DNA reliability and an inconclusive ballistics test. The Kirk family is shown an enhanced surveillance video of the rooftop; Erika Kirk breaks down. Rather than ruling, Judge Graf continues the hearing to Sept. 1 for closing arguments.

JUL 9, 2026

Preliminary hearing, day 4 — confession video shown, DNA cross-examined

Judge Graf rules Robinson's recorded confession and his roommate's interview can be shown publicly, over defense objection, after Erika Kirk pushed for transparency. An FBI DNA analyst is cross-examined by the defense; a state sergeant testifies about the rooftop crime scene and engraved bullet casings recovered from the rifle.

JUL 8, 2026

Preliminary hearing, day 3

Robinson arrives at the Fourth District Courthouse as testimony and evidence review continue.

JUL 7, 2026

Preliminary hearing, day 2 — DNA & evidence handling

A state public-safety sergeant testifies about how the rifle, screwdriver and towel were processed and sent to the FBI crime laboratory. Analysts describe DNA profiles recovered from items on the Losee Center roof; the defense presses on testing margins of error.

JUL 6, 2026

Preliminary hearing opens

First witnesses: a former UVU officer and the lead investigator. Kirk's family attends; cameras permitted after a contested ruling.

JUL 1, 2026

Ruling: cameras permitted at prelim

Judge Graf grants a media request to broadcast the preliminary hearing, over defense objection about witness intimidation.

JUN 2026

Defense files standing objection to state's exhibits

Counsel objects broadly to the state's forensic exhibit list ahead of the preliminary hearing, preserving issues for appeal.

APR 2026

Key witness gives recorded statement

Robinson's former roommate receives limited immunity for a videotaped interview; the defense contests its use as hearsay.

OCT 2025

Not-guilty plea entered

Robinson enters a formal plea of not guilty at his first appearance following the information.

SEP 16, 2025

Charged: aggravated murder + 9 counts

Utah County announces it will seek the death penalty in the ten-count information filed against Robinson.

SEP 12, 2025

Robinson surrenders to police

Following a 33-hour manhunt, Robinson turns himself in with a family member and is booked into Utah County Jail.

SEP 10, 2025

Shooting at Utah Valley University

Charlie Kirk is fatally shot while speaking on campus, prompting a statewide manhunt.