@meghannmcuniff: The judge in the capital murder case against Charlie Kirk's accused killer won't decide if probable cause exists against suspect Tyler Robinson for at least seven weeks. Testimony ends today (Friday, July 10) in the five-day preliminary hearing, but Judge Tony F. Graf Jr. scheduled briefing and argument that will push into September his decision on whether probable cause supports the charges against Robinson. Robinson, 23, has been in custody since Sept. 11, 2025, one day after Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University in Orem. Attorneys will return to Graf's courtroom in Provo to argue on Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. Mountain time. The judge most likely will not rule then but will schedule another court date to announce his ruling. Prosecutors were ready to close on Friday. Chad Grunander, the chief deputy of the Utah County Attorney's Office, told the rookie judge when he suggested two hours of argument apiece, "If we have to argue two hours apiece for bind over, there's a problem." But Robinson's lawyer requested briefing, which Grunander said would delay argument Jeffrey Neiman, who represents Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, said the family wants "swift justice for Charlie here." "I think we obviously know the court needs to make sure they're balancing all interests here. But I think as soon as the matter could be bound over and this matter could be set for trial, that's what the Kirk family would like," Neiman said. Graf scheduled briefing to begin July 28 with the prosecution's filing. Briefs will be 30 pages and 40 pages, and Grunander said the length of his argument will increase because of the briefs. Judge Graf allotted both sides up to two hours for argument on Sept. 1. The standard for probable cause is low: more likely than not. The judge seems to be missing this. Utah might want to consider a grand jury indictment system if this is what goes into establishing probable cause through a judge. This clip has been edited for brevity. You can watch the entire discussion on my YouTube channel or Facebook page. #law #crime #court

Meghann Cuniff

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Friday 10 July 2026 17:09:13 GMT