Charlie Kirk killing: defence asks judge to disqualify prosecutors

The defence for the man charged in Charlie Kirk's killing asked a judge to disqualify Utah County prosecutors over an alleged conflict; prosecutors have asked the judge to deny the motion and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 18.

Defence attorneys for the man charged in the killing of Charlie Kirk have asked a judge to disqualify prosecutors in the case, citing an alleged conflict of interest. The defence points to a personal connection between a deputy county attorney and an adult child who attended the rally where the incident occurred and later communicated with the deputy's office. The defendant, identified in filings as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is charged with aggravated murder and has not entered a plea. Prosecutors say they plan to seek the death penalty and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 18. Key facts: - Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 killing of Charlie Kirk at a university rally. - The defence moved to disqualify Utah County prosecutors, citing an alleged conflict tied to a deputy county attorney's adult child who attended the event and later communicated with the deputy's office. - Prosecutors have asked the judge to deny the disqualification and say they will seek the death penalty; a preliminary hearing is set to begin May 18. Summary: The defence motion challenges the composition of the prosecution team on conflict-of-interest grounds and could change which office handles the case if granted. The judge has not ruled on the motion and proceedings are scheduled to continue toward the May 18 preliminary hearing.