Judge Graf Orders 16 Minutes Redacted From 37-Minute Tyler Robinson Video Testimony
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 9
Judge Graf Orders 16 Minutes Redacted From 37-Minute Tyler Robinson Video Testimony
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 9
Summary
About 16 minutes of Lance Twiggs’ 37-minute video statement will be cut before it is played Thursday in Tyler Robinson’s Utah preliminary hearing, after Judge Tony Graf Jr. sided with defense objections.
Defense lawyer Richard Novak argued televising material prosecutors and the public could treat as a confession would threaten Robinson’s constitutional right to a fair trial before any plea has been entered.
The full video is expected to cover texts, chat logs and a note tied to Robinson; Graf said references to some already-public texts may be redacted from the courtroom video but still considered in his probable-cause ruling.
Erika Kirk and Kathy Kirk reacted emotionally in court as family attorney Jeff Neiman pushed to show the unredacted recording, arguing redactions would fuel public distrust in the judicial system.
Graf also said the five-day hearing will end by 5 p.m. Friday, setting up a near-term probable-cause decision in a case where Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted.