What Tyler Robinson Allegedly Told His Roommate

Tony Brueski (0:00)

This is Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski.

Tony Brueski (0:11)

So Tyler Robinson has pled not guilty, and the immediate reaction is almost kind of unavoidable.

Tony Brueski (0:18)

Not guilty?

Tony Brueski (0:20)

Not guilty of what exactly? Not guilty of being the person prosecutors say was captured on surveillance at Utah Valley University? Not guilty of the rifle, forensic results, handwritten notes, text messages, or allegedly telling your roommate and allegedly romantic partner that you did it and later wished you had not?

The prosecutors place all of that evidence in one pile. Not guilty can sound insulting, like somebody beside a burning building holding a gasoline.

But the outrage has to be precise and not guilty plea is not testimony or a sworn claim that every witness, camera and forensic result is wrong while every mystery shooter committed a crime. His attorneys did not announce an alibi or identify another suspect. They entered a formal plea under Utah District Judge Tony Graf ruled on September 1st of twenty twenty six that prosecutors had presented enough evidence to send all seven charges to trial. The aggravated murder charge remains capital. Sir Robinson could face death if convicted and the additional legal requirements are proven. The next hearing is set for October 23rd to address scheduling. That ruling was not a conviction. Judge Graf was deciding probable cause, not guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. His order did not determine Robinson's guilt, settle the ultimate weight of the evidence or guarantee that every item considered at preliminary hearing will be admitted at trial. Robinson remains presumed innocent unless the state proves its case through admissible evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. So what does not guilty mean in a case like this? Let's break it down because I get it. I mean, you look at it and go, you're really, really dead to rights here, but there is really no such thing as a bulletproof case. So let's try to understand here, you know, what is going to be argued in this case. And as we do, your thoughts in the comment section on Substack and YouTube, links are in the description. Love for you to do that and take us with you. The podcast, just search Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski wherever you get podcasts or even easier. I put a little QR code there for you on the screen if you're watching us on YouTube. Take you to our link trees and go to Spotify or Apple, whatever you like, and then hit subscribe on the podcast. We do appreciate that. So what is not guilty mean? Under Utah's rules, if a defendant refuses to plead, the court enters a not guilty plea and the case proceeds towards trial. Not guilty is the system's default whenever a defendant has not formally admitted the charges, does not require an alibi, another suspect or an innocent explanation at arraignment. It means I am not giving the government its conviction. Prove it. Prove that I was on the campus. And the proof and on that roof, prove that I fired the shot and possessed the rifle. Prove the forensic evidence was handled and interpreted reliably. Prove that I wrote the note and messages. Prove the obstruction, witness tampering and political expression allegations. Prove that I knowingly created the legally required risk to someone other than Charlie Kirk. And because this is capital, prove every fact necessary before Utah may ask a jury to impose death.

It's what happens with a capital case. That does not mean Robinson's lawyers possess a hidden fact that makes the case disappear. It means they are refusing to perform the prosecution's job for it. A guilty plea would be dramatically different. Robinson would waive major trial rights, including the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, confront witnesses, receive a jury trial, and force the state to prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. His appellate rights will be substantially limited, they're not necessarily eliminated. Why would he surrender all of that without receiving something meaningful in return? Well, if he did it, why would it? Well, again, you're dealing with someone who thought this was a good idea. They're not exactly going along with good ideas or what's going to make sense just because they got caught. They're going to continue to dig their feet in and do everything they possibly can to not take responsibility for their own toxic thoughts. A guilty plea alone would not necessarily remove death. Without an agreement changing the capital posture, Robinson would hand the state its conviction while preserving the punishment he most wants to avoid. No plea deal has been announced and until one exists, not guilty preserves his rights, bargaining power and ability to challenge the case. That's probably the most likely reason why it's not guilty. Because yeah, they know. They know he's pretty much dead in the water. That's the one ship he has left.