Overview
- Judge Tony Graf is considering on Monday defense requests to bar reporters and the public from parts of the July 6–10 preliminary hearing and to seal dozens of exhibits.
- Defense lawyers say widespread coverage has at times misrepresented their client and that airing sensitive evidence now could taint the pool of future jurors.
- Prosecutors oppose a full courtroom closure but support limits on copying or public handling of some exhibits and plan to introduce DNA results, surveillance video, witness recordings, autopsy findings and an alleged note linked to the suspect.
- The July hearing is set to be the first extensive public showing of the evidence and will determine whether there is probable cause to bind Tyler Robinson over for trial with prosecutors seeking the death penalty if he is convicted.
- Utah law starts from a presumption of open courts, Judge Graf has already allowed cameras under strict rules and his access decision could shape pretrial publicity and how jurors are selected going forward.