Utah County is spending significantly more on the legal defense of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, than it has on other ongoing death penalty cases — a decision county officials say is due to the extraordinary public scrutiny surrounding the case.
Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, during a public event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, while Kirk was addressing thousands of attendees. He faces seven felony charges, including aggravated murder, and prosecutors have stated they will seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
Why Robinson’s Defense Costs Are Higher
County officials confirmed that Robinson, who a judge determined cannot afford private legal representation, is being defended by attorneys Kathryn Nester, Richard G. Novak, and Michael N. Burt, with Utah County responsible for all legal expenses.
The county is paying Robinson’s defense attorneys $275 per hour, higher than the $225 per hour being paid to lawyers handling two other capital cases — Michael Aaron Jayne and Douglas Stewart Carter.
“We knew from the outset that the Robinson case would require much more work than a typical case,” said Rich Piatt, spokesperson for Utah County. “Given the intense evidence review, media attention, and public scrutiny, that’s reflected in the rate we agreed upon.”
Comparison to Other Death Penalty Cases
Utah County is currently funding defense costs for three active death penalty cases:
- Tyler Robinson — accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
- Michael Aaron Jayne — a truck driver charged with intentionally crashing into a police car, killing an officer in 2024.
- Douglas Stewart Carter — a long-serving death row inmate whose conviction for a 1985 murder was overturned due to misconduct by prosecutors and police.
While Jayne’s and Carter’s public defenders are capped at $200,000 in total compensation — including limits on investigator and mitigation expert costs — Robinson’s team has no spending cap under their contract.
County records obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune also reveal that Greg Skordas, a prominent Utah attorney, is contracted by the county to help vet and oversee death penalty defense contracts. Skordas earns $250 per hour for this work.
Public Costs and Legal Obligations
Officials estimate that combined prosecution and defense expenses could exceed $1 million before Robinson’s case concludes. Under constitutional law, the county must pay for Robinson’s legal representation because he has been deemed indigent (unable to afford counsel).
“The county recognizes that every death penalty case is unique,” Piatt added. “But this one is unlike anything we’ve faced in terms of scale and visibility.”
Nester declined to comment on her team’s contract.
Security and Court Procedures
Robinson remains in custody at the Utah County Jail, where he has attended prior hearings via video feed. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30, which will likely mark his first in-person appearance at the Provo 4th District Court.
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office has implemented heightened courthouse security for all hearings connected to the case, citing public interest and safety concerns. The defense contract even includes a $40-per-hour security allowance for Robinson’s legal team during court appearances.
Broader Context
The decision to raise defense pay rates and remove spending caps has drawn attention from legal observers and taxpayers, as the case continues to unfold in a politically charged atmosphere.
County officials maintain the higher expenses are necessary to ensure a fair trial and qualified defense representation, especially given the gravity of a potential death sentence and the national attention surrounding the killing of a high-profile political figure.
