A Utah courtroom erupted into controversy after the judge overseeing the Tyler Robinson murder case ordered the defendant’s parents and brother to leave the room during a closed session, rejecting a direct plea from the accused Charlie Kirk-killer’s attorney and intensifying scrutiny on how the high-profile proceedings are being handled.
The Thursday hearing marked Robinson’s first in-person appearance since being charged with assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University earlier this year.
The brutal killing that shocked the nation is now moving toward a possible death penalty trial.
Robinson entered the Provo courtroom in civilian clothing but remained shackled.
He appeared calm, even smirking at times, as cameras captured his demeanor.