Sat Sep 27 13:30:00 UTC 2025: **NEWS ARTICLE:**
**Attorney Appointed for Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting; Death Penalty Sought**
**OREM, Utah** – Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10th, has been appointed legal representation. Kathryn Nester, a seasoned trial attorney with over 30 years of experience, will lead Robinson’s defense. Kirk died at a local hospital shortly after the shooting.
The Utah County Commission announced Nester’s appointment on Wednesday and approved $1 million in staffing additions to support both the prosecution and the defense teams. Officials said this is fulfilling the commission’s constitutional duty.
“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,” the commission’s statement read.
Nester, a trial attorney at Nester Lewis in Salt Lake City, has a history of representing suspects in high-profile Utah cases. Notably, she is currently representing Kouri Richins, who is accused of poisoning her husband. She previously represented Dr. Michael Kirk Moore, who was accused of throwing away COVID-19 shots and providing children with saline shots rather than the actual vaccine.
Randy Spencer, a local criminal defense attorney, told Fox News Digital that Nester is well known criminal defense attorney located in Utah.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray has indicated his intention to seek the death penalty in Robinson’s case. Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, witness tampering, and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child.
First Piper 