Alleged Kirk killer Robinson assigned defense lawyer after court concludes he cannot afford one

The Utah County Commission on Wednesday confirmed a defense attorney for Tyler Robinson, who allegedly fatally shot conservative political activist Charlie Kirk during a campus tour stop at Utah Valley University earlier this month. 

Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice, witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. 

A Utah County spokesperson said the case has been assigned to Kathryn Nester, a former federal public defender with over 30 years of experience, according to Fox News. 

"This afternoon, the Utah County Commission unanimously approved a contract to appoint legal counsel for Tyler James Robinson, as required under Utah law and after the court determined he couldn’t afford private counsel," the spokesperson said. "This action fulfills the Commission’s constitutional responsibility to ensure that individuals accused of a crime – who cannot afford legal representation – are provided with a qualified defense."

Nester also serves as an attorney for Kouri Richins, who has been accused of poisoning her husband Eric Richins in March 2022.

Robinson has not entered a plea in response to the charges

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.