Defense attorneys in Charlie Kirk’s killing say they need several years to prepare for trial

Defense attorneys for the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk are suggesting a 2029 trial date because they say it could take them that long to prepare their case.

Attorneys for Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, said Thursday that the defense's proposed schedule was “absurd” and defendant Tyler Robinson was simply trying to delay.

Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf has scheduled a Friday hearing to set a trial date.

Robinson pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder in last year's killing of Kirk while the ally of President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd of several thousand people at Utah Valley University. The 23-year-old defendant turned himself in a day after the shooting, and his lawyers have not offered alternative theories for Kirk’s death. He could be eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecutors from Utah County in court filings anticipated a 17-week trial and said they would be ready by October 2027. But rather than hold the proceedings during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, they proposed the trial begin Jan. 31, 2028.

Erika Kirk’s attorney, Jeffrey Neiman, said the trial should start next October, the earliest date identified by prosecutors.

“Under the Defendants’ proposed schedule, Mr. Kirk’s…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business