Washington, Sept 18 (V7N) - Tyler Robinson, the suspect accused of killing conservative US activist Charlie Kirk, appeared virtually for his first court hearing on Tuesday since his arrest. Utah prosecutors have announced they will seek the death penalty, citing evidence including text messages in which Robinson allegedly confessed to the killing during an event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10.

In messages to his flatmate and romantic partner, Robinson, 22, reportedly said, “I had enough of his hatred… Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”

During the hearing in Provo, Utah, Robinson appeared unshaven and in a green suicide-prevention smock. He remained mostly expressionless, speaking only to confirm his name, while the judge read the charges and warned him of the potential death penalty.

Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstructing justice, witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of children. Prosecutors said Robinson had been at large for over 30 hours before surrendering, and that his communications with family and friends helped authorities track and confirm his involvement.

Robinson’s mother recognized him from a news photo the day after the shooting and raised concerns with his father. With guidance from a retired deputy sheriff family friend, Robinson’s parents persuaded him to surrender.

Court documents revealed that Robinson had been increasingly political over the past year and had engaged in a romantic relationship with his roommate, a transgender individual. In text messages, Robinson instructed his partner to check under his keyboard, revealing a note stating his intent to “take out Charlie Kirk.”

The documents also detailed Robinson’s planning, including retrieving a rifle allegedly belonging to his grandfather and engraving messages on the bullets. DNA evidence linked him to the rifle, ammunition, and towel found near the crime scene.

Prosecutors allege that Robinson planned the attack for over a week and warned his partner not to speak to police or media. His family’s accounts and investigative findings formed key parts of the case, as prosecutors outlined the charges and their evidence during the court proceedings.

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