Judge faces ‘biggest legal case in Utah history’ in Charlie Kirk killing: lawyer

Two Utah lawyers say new Judge Tony Graf will bring fairness, experience and steady leadership to the state’s most closely watched murder trial, a case being called “the biggest legal case in Utah history.”

Defense attorney Skye Lazaro told Fox News Digital that she expects Graf to approach the high-profile proceeding involving Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk, with diligence and poise.

“He’s very conscientious…very fair,” Lazaro said. “I would expect him to take the oath very seriously while working on this case.”

Graf, a longtime Utah prosecutor before his appointment to the bench, will oversee the capital case against Robinson, charged with the high-profile murder of the Turning Point USA founder. Lazaro, who has known Graf professionally for years, said his background provides valuable experience but does not compromise his impartiality.

CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: LEGAL EXPERT EXPOSES DEFENSE CHALLENGES AND WHY EVIDENCE SECRECY COULD BE CRUCIAL

Fourth District Court Judge Tony Graf reads charging documents as Tyler Robinson, 22, suspect in the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, appeared on camera Tuesday, September 16, 2025 for his initial appearance in Provo, Utah. (Scott G. Winterton/Pool via Deseret News)

“He’s familiar with the criminal justice system. I don’t think that will impact his decisions one way or the other,” she said. “He will make a fair decision, as best he can, based on what is in front of him.”

Attorney Nathan Evershed, who is not connected to the Robinson case but previously worked alongside Graf, told Fox News Digital: “This case is not only important, it literally could be the biggest legal case in Utah history. There hasn’t really been a case like this of such not only national but international importance.”

He noted that Graf had “less than two months on the bench” when he was assigned the case, calling the appointment “seemingly…assigned by chance.”

Evershed, who worked with Graf in the Salt Lake County district attorney’s office, described him as “very diligent, very hard-working,” someone who “came in early, understood his cases and really cared about doing the right thing.”

WHAT WILL TYLER ROBINSON’S DEFENSE STRATEGY BE? EXPERTS EXPERIENCE ACCUSED CHARLIE KIRK MURDER

Judge Tony Graf enters the courtroom as Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk, attends a virtual hearing from jail Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (Scott G Winterton/The Deseret News via AP, Pool)

Although Graf lacks judicial experience, Evershed said he brings “years and thousands of hours of courtroom experience” from his tenure as a prosecutor. “He was tried several times… He was a prosecutor for many, many years,” he said.

Evershed called the case a “career-defining moment,” not only for Graf but for “literally everyone involved in this case.”

“It’s going to be something that’s in the news for a long time, especially here in Utah,” he said. “I have no doubt that this matter will be the subject of a trial… which will last several weeks and… highly scrutinized.”

WATCH: Lawyer says newly appointed judge facing intense scrutiny in Charlie Kirk murder case

Lazaro emphasized that Graf’s commitment to judicial balance, between the rights of victims and the constitutional protections of the accused, will be crucial in a case already saturated with public attention.

“All judges…take their oath very seriously,” she said. “Part of that is being impartial and making decisions based on the facts and the law…I would expect him to do his best to be impartial and uphold his duty to the office.”

Lazaro described the growing number of death penalty complaints in Utah County as “somewhat unique or unlucky” for a newly appointed judge so early in his tenure.

WHO IS KATHRYN NESTER, ATTORNEY FOR TYLER ROBINSON, CHARLIE KIRK MURDER SUSPECT?

Booking photos for Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect in the Utah murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. (Utah Governor Spencer Cox)

“There is a very steep learning curve between practicing law and being a judge,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean he won’t do a good job…this case is going to be looked at for years.”

Lazaro emphasized that capital cases impose intense professional and personal strain, not only on attorneys and court staff, but also on the judges who preside over them.

“Death penalty cases are difficult…and when you add in media and political pressure – and calls for the death penalty from the start – it makes it even more difficult,” she said. “This weighs heavily on everyone involved.”

Despite national attention to the case, Lazaro said a change of venue was unlikely.

“I would not expect this case to change venue unless the defense rules in favor or there is a conflict,” Lazaro said. “You’re not going to get a more favorable jury by changing venues because it’s nationally known…everyone is talking about this case.”

While acknowledging the challenges, Lazaro expressed confidence in Graf’s ability and fairness.

“Any person appointed to the bench is considered competent and experienced enough to handle any type of case,” they said. “I wouldn’t want to be in his place, but I hope he does the best job possible.”

EX-US ATTORNEY WARNS PROSECUTORS COULD FACE MANY OBSTACLES IN CASE AGAINST ALLEGED CHARLIE KIRK KILLER

The exterior of Fourth Judicial Court where Tyler Robinson appeared by video for his first court appearance in Provo, Utah, Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Robinson faces charges in the murder of Charlie Kirk. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

Describing Graf’s demeanor, Evershed said: “He has a very calming demeanor. I think he also has a very strong presence. He’s someone who doesn’t back down from his beliefs easily.”

He said that would serve Graf well as the case unfolds under intense national attention and likely “years of appellate review.”

“This is a death penalty case,” Evershed said. “If the death penalty were to be adopted, this case would be subject to intense scrutiny in terms of judicial decisions, orders, reviews and decisions based on the evidence.”

“Your heart really goes out to him,” Evershed added. “We hope to have at least 10 years of experience on the bench to deal with this kind of quagmire. In this case, it took him less than two months.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“I think Judge Graf is a good reflection of the Utah justice system,” he said. “He’s an experienced attorney. He’s a careful person. He’s someone who likes to show respect to everyone in the courtroom.”

“He’s not someone who’s going to prematurely put his thumb on the scale for certain outcomes,” Evershed added. “He understands his role…of judicial restraint and making sure things are handled appropriately.”

Evershed said the case will be long and complex, but believes Graf is up to the challenge.

“The number of hearings…the number of motions that are going to be filed…we can’t even calculate it,” he said. “It’s going to take a very long road, but we’ll get there eventually.”

Fox News Digital has contacted the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts.

Stepheny Price covers crime including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.