Tyler Robinson Requests Civilian Clothes for Court Appearance

Provo, Utah — Tyler Robinson, a man charged with aggravated murder, has asked a Utah judge to allow him to wear civilian clothing instead of prison garb during his court appearances. His request comes after convicted Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger was granted a similar request.

Robinson’s defense lawyers filed a 21-page motion in Utah’s 4th District Court on Thursday. They argue that showing him in a prison jumpsuit and shackles could lead potential jurors to assume he is guilty and deserving of the death penalty.

The motion, submitted to District Judge Tony Graf, states, “In the face of worldwide scrutiny, permitting Mr. Robinson to wear civilian clothing for court appearances is a minor inconvenience compared to the already present concerns with securing a fair trial before an impartial jury.”

Robinson appeared in a virtual hearing last month wearing a “suicide smock.” His lawyers expressed concerns that repeated media coverage displaying him in jail clothing would influence prospective jurors’ perceptions of his guilt.

The motion further notes that as media interest grows, the likelihood rises that jurors may draw conclusions based on his appearance rather than the evidence presented in court.

Robinson has been linked to the deaths of four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—who were murdered in November 2022. He is facing multiple charges, including aggravated murder, and could potentially receive the death penalty under Utah law, which is supported by President Trump.

Utah is one of five states that use a firing squad as a method of capital punishment. Robinson has not yet entered a plea, and his next court date is set for October 30.