Commentator Megyn Kelly expressed strong disapproval of the defense attorney's conduct during the initial pretrial hearing for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Kelly described attorney Kathryn Nester as "f***ing annoying" due to her persistent objections throughout the proceedings.
Nester, a veteran trial attorney, faced criticism from the judge for issuing numerous objections to the evidence presented by prosecutors. These objections were related to various video compilations intended to highlight the suspect's alleged involvement.
Robinson, 23, faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted. His defense team has been working to limit the admission of key evidence during this week's pretrial hearings. The proceedings are taking place in Provo, Utah, near where Kirk was killed.
Among those attending the hearing were Erika Kirk, the victim's widow, and Donald Trump Jr.
Evidence Presented
Utah State Bureau of Investigation agent David Hull testified that Robinson allegedly visited the amphitheater where Kirk was scheduled to speak hours before the killing. Hull stated that Robinson interacted with members of Turning Point USA, Kirk's organization, before leaving the premises. The agent did not specify the nature of these interactions.
Surveillance footage presented in court allegedly shows Robinson at the UVU campus multiple times in his Dodge Challenger in the day leading up to the shooting, and walking with a limp on the day Kirk was killed. The judge ultimately ruled that prosecutors could play this footage, which depicts Robinson entering and exiting a parking garage.
Prosecutors are expected to present a significant amount of evidence, including alleged DNA linking Robinson to the murder weapon, witness statements, and further surveillance footage. They also intend to introduce messages Robinson allegedly sent to his transgender boyfriend on the day of the shooting, in which he reportedly expressed frustration with Kirk's "hatred."
Robinson has not yet entered a plea in the case. He has been in custody since his arrest 33 hours after Kirk's death. Nester has a history of representing high-profile defendants, including Kouri Richins, who was convicted of poisoning her husband.