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Twenty-three-year-old Tyler Robinson stood in the Salt Lake City courtroom, uttering the words \u201cnot guilty\u201d to a total of seven charges-ranging from aggravated murder, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice.<\/strong><\/p>\n The ruling from Utah District Judge Tony Graf has officially opened the door for the state to seek the death penalty against Robinson in the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.<\/p>\n Graf ruled the state provided \u201ca mountain of evidence,\u201d both physical and circumstantial to warrant the case proceed under capital punishment in what could become one of the most watched trials in recent U.S. History.<\/p>\n Prosecutors claim Robinson targeted Kirk because of their political disagreements when the teen strategically position himself on a rooftop over 400 yards away and fired a bolt-action high-powered rifle into a densely packed crowd of thousands in Utah Valley University.<\/p>\n Prosecutors had successfully argued to justify capital charges in their quest for capital punishments. Under Utah law they are to show the firing of a rifle into a huge group carries an increased risk of great bodily injury and death.<\/p>\n Subpoenaed records including incriminating text messages, dna found on the weapon, and a note written to a former roommate of Robinsons details intent to \u201ckill him off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt will shock the world,\u201d the letter said. \u201cI\u2019m going to kill him off by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n Defense attorney(s) vehemently fought the request for capital punishment, saying Kirk, not innocent civilians near him, were the target of the solitary shot and they questioned if dna findings would stand up. Defense attorneys fought the death penalty at a hearing, but with close proximity to an audience and claims of political motive, the judge saw enough.<\/p>\n Members of Charlies family, including his Widow Erika, and his parents were present throughout the court proceeding in Provo where they were reminded that follow up motioning and trials dates would soon follow as Robison\u2019s attorney[s] began planning their defense strategy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n