The man accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be allowed to wear civilian clothing during hearings.
The judge, however, denied a request from the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, to appear during the proceedings without any restraints.
Robinson's attorneys had sought to extend the right for him to appear in civilian clothing during trial to all of his pretrial proceedings, arguing that, given the extensive media coverage of the case, there is a risk of prejudice if potential jurors see him in jail attire.
Prosecutors had opposed the request, arguing jail clothing aids with identification and safety.
In granting the request during a virtual hearing this morning, Judge Tony Graf said Robinson's right to the presumption of innocence outweighs the minimal inconvenience of permitting civilian attire, and that Robinson should be dressed as one who is presumed innocent.
In denying the request, the judge said that while Robinson previously had no criminal history or any issues while in custody, the charges he faces are "extraordinarily serious, carrying potential penalties of life imprisonment or death.
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child.
He has not yet entered a plea.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
[Source : BBC News]
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