Prosecutor denies conflict of interest in Kirk murder trial

Utah County Prosecutor Chad Grunander has rejected the defense's claims that he has a conflict of interest in seeking the death penalty for Tyler Robinson in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The defense argues that Grunander's 18-year-old daughter witnessed the shooting on the university campus and was the first to alert him to the incident, which they say could have led to an emotional decision.

However, Grunander told the court that his daughter's presence had no influence on the prosecution's approach and that the decision was the result of a collective assessment of the evidence.

He emphasized that the final word was up to Chief District Attorney Jeffrey Gray, who did not even ask him for his personal opinion. The court also heard Grunander's daughter in a closed session, as the prosecution pointed out possible security risks.

Judge Tony Graf postponed the decision on the exclusion of the prosecution until February. The defendant, Tyler Robinson, faces several charges, including aggravated murder. According to investigators, he shot Kirk with a single shot from the roof during a discussion with students.

(reuters, mja)