Bridger Beal-Cvetko is a reporter for KSL. He covers politics, Salt Lake County communities and breaking news. Bridger has worked for the Deseret News and graduated from Utah Valley University.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah County officials are asking state lawmakers for $2 million in the next fiscal year to help cover costs associated with the ongoing prosecution and defense of the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with capital murder and faces a possible death sentence if convicted of assassinating Kirk, 31, who was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in September. The Utah County Commission approved $1 million for staffing and support in the case last year but is now asking the state for additional help in the case, which made international headlines and continues to focus attention on the county."This case is especially complex due to the level of public interest involved," county administrator Ezra Nair told a legislative committee Monday, reading from a statement prepared by the Utah County Commission. "However, public interest cannot outweigh the constitutional protections guaranteed to both the victim and the accused. Assuring those prosecutions are upheld requires appropriate resources."Rep. David Shallenberger, R-Orem, sponsored the request for state funds on behalf of the county, which "experienced the most high profile political assassination in our state's history," per the request form. The county is responsible for paying for both the prosecution and defense because it is a state crime, the form states.The $2 million would only cover a portion of the trial, and "Utah County residents will have to pay for any portion of this that is not funded by the state," according to the request. "The county is mobilizing all available resources to ensure the proper time, dedication and resources."Nair said Utah County spends more than 70% of its general fund budget on public safety, including $13 million for public defense and more than $16 million on prosecutions."We don't frivolously spend at Utah County," he said, noting that although neither Robinson nor Kirk resided in the county, "we're only asking for the state to partner with us for a portion of these costs."Members of the Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee appeared inclined to support the request, but the state budget won't be finalized until late in the general legislative session, which ends March 6."This is kind of an unprecedented event in the state of Utah," said Sen. Brady Brammer, R-Highland, the Senate chairman of the comm
Traffic Weather Sports Classifieds Cars Jobs Homes Television Radio Salt Lake Utah Local Crime Politics Law Local
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Utah County seeks $2 million from legislature for Tyler Robinson caseBen Winslow is a reporter with FOX 13 covering a variety of topics including government, the Great Salt Lake, vice and polygamy.
Read more »
Taste Utah Bytes - Salt Lake CountyIn the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is a brand new Italian sandwich shop, that
Read more »
Utah bill would establish new court to hear eviction casesBridger Beal-Cvetko is a reporter for KSL. He covers politics, Salt Lake County communities and breaking news. Bridger has worked for the Deseret News and graduated from Utah Valley University.
Read more »
Recycle Utah set to move locations after city and county reach land agreementCLICK HERE to reach out to Caroleina with any story ideas or news tips.
Read more »
Utah Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Child Pornography, Other Utah News BrieflyA Utah man, Perry Jay Hunter, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for child pornography related to princess-themed parties. Other Utah news includes a highway patrol video, a firefighter's arrest on child pornography charges, a fatal car crash, and growing juvenile gang activity concerns.
Read more »
Utah opts against allowing ivermectin to be sold over the counterBridger Beal-Cvetko is a reporter for KSL. He covers politics, Salt Lake County communities and breaking news. Bridger has worked for the Deseret News and graduated from Utah Valley University.
Read more »