Overview
- Judge Tony Graf on Monday denied the defense request to close portions of the July 6–10 preliminary hearing, saying the public and media have a presumptive right to access court proceedings.
- Graf limited public handling and copying of certain sensitive exhibits but said alternatives such as larger juror pools and detailed questionnaires can protect a fair trial.
- An evidentiary hearing on June 12 will test the defense claim that prosecutors violated a pretrial publicity order through media statements and will give both sides equal time to argue.
- Prosecutors plan to introduce forensic material, surveillance video, witness recordings, autopsy findings and alleged texts the prosecution calls a confession, and they say they will seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
- The defense has asked for a pause and signaled appellate options over earlier camera-access rulings, while wide public coverage and competing narratives about the case continue to shape court and public debate.