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() In the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting, questions now shift to how attorneys will pick a jury for his alleged killer, Tyler Robinson.
Dr. Lillian Glass, a jury consultant, told “Banfield” in an appearance Monday that finding an impartial jury is the “bottom line” in the case.
“That’s the key,” Glass says. “That is the key, no matter what, because we do live in a society where you have to be unbiased” in court.
“And one of the good things about being tried in Utah is that even though it’s a conservative state, 60 percent of the people are Mormons. And when they judge a case, they often say that they’re impartial,” she added.
Since Kirk’s murder took place in Utah, Robinson could face the death penalty if he’s found guilty. If convicted of an aggravated murder charge, Robinson could alternatively face 25 years to life in prison without parole.
Glass pointed out that a lot of the leaders in the Latter-day Saints church are in favor of the death penalty, which could pose a challenge for the defense if Robinson is found guilty.
Lawyers need to ask lengthy questions: Jury consultant
Glass acknowledged that trying to find the right people should be done with lengthy and particular questioning throughout the selection process.
“Find out about their background,” she said. “Do they have anybody in their family that’s ever been assaulted or murdered? Do they have any relatives that have been in the medical field?”
“I want to know their attitude towards law enforcement. I want to know if they are thinking about how the people would react in terms of presumption of innocence.”
Along with the questioning for prospective jurors, Glass believes looking at everything is crucial. One of the main sticking points: social media.
“It has to be very quick because this is a quick process,” she says. “You don’t have hours and hours to do this.”
Federal government charging Tyler Robinson
confirmed with a Department of Justice source that Robinson is expected to be federally charged.
Robinson was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm and obstruction of justice, according to court documents.
Utah’s top law enforcement official said Monday that significant evidence in the assassination of Charlie Kirk will be made public following the suspect’s initial court appearance.