Charlie Kirk murder suspect's ex-roommate can't testify at hearing, judge rules

The former roommate of the suspect accused in Charlie Kirk's murder will not have to testify in person during a preliminary hearing in the case, a Utah judge ruled on Monday. The decision denied a request from the defense team representing the suspect, Tyler Robinson, and argued any testimony's credibility could be challenged later if the case goes to trial. Judge Tony Graf made the ruling during a hearing Monday morning, saying the purpose of a preliminary hearing is to establish whether there is enough evidence to justify bringing the case to trial, not to determine whether someone is innocent or guilty. Graf also postponed a ruling until Friday on whether prosecutors could face sanctions for comments to the media about a bullet fragment recovered from the conservative activist's body. The defense team had asked Graf to block the death penalty in the case, claiming the prosecutors' comments could sway potential jurors regarding his guilt. Robinson, 23, has not yet entered a plea. He is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 killing of Kirk, a close ally of President Trump, who was shot in the neck while addressing a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors have said DNA consistent with Robinson's was found on the trigger of the rifle, the fired cartridge casing and two unfired cartridges. …