FROM FOX NEWS: The murder case against the man accused of killing conservative speaker Charlie Kirk is already facing major legal hurdles — from questions about defense funding to whether the crime even qualifies for the death penalty under Utah law.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is being held without bail at the Utah County Jail. Prosecutors say he climbed onto a rooftop at Utah Valley University, shot Kirk from about 200 yards away and fled before surrendering near his home in Washington, Utah.
Defending Robinson is proving to be no simple task. Utah requires attorneys in death penalty cases to have prior trial and capital case experience, and at least two must be appointed. That level of commitment can consume a year or more of full-time work, experts told Fox News Digital, forcing lawyers to set aside other clients and personal obligations.
“It’s a huge undertaking to represent someone in a case like this,” said Utah criminal defense lawyer Randall Spencer.
“It really is a sacrifice for defense attorneys who take on this kind of work.”
Spencer said the court will allow outside attorneys to take the case if necessary but that he believes Utah will find experienced in-state representation.
“There will be very good counsel found, likely within Utah,” Spencer said.
Randolph Rice, another veteran attorney, said Utah’s legal system isn’t prepared for a case of this magnitude.
“The current contract between Utah County and the Public Defender Association doesn’t cover the costs of hiring a death penalty lawyer and experts,” Rice said. “That means separate contracts, and ultimately, taxpayers footing the bill.”
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