Today, Judge Tony Graf denied the defense's Motion to Disqualify the Utah County Attorney's Office from prosecuting this case. Judge Graf ruled that the prosecutor's daughter who attended the September 2025 Turning Point USA event had no relevant information that was not also known by numerous other attendees, and that her presence at the event had no impact on the charging decisions. The judge also ruled that her attendance did not create any personal interest that would affect the prosecution.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 13th at 10:00 a.m. MDT to address various defense motions to restrict public access to certain motions and supporting memoranda.
A hearing on April 17th, also set to begin at 10:00 a.m. MDT, will address the defense motion to exclude all cameras from the courtroom.
A preliminary hearing remains set for May 18-20. After announcing his ruling on the disqualification motion, Judge Graf emphasized that this case is a priority and therefore he intends to ensure that the preliminary hearing occurs on those dates.
The hearing on Tuesday, February 3, is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. MDT. It is a continuance of the evidentiary hearing on the defense motion to disqualify the Utah County Attorney's Office. We anticipate that at least part of the hearing will be closed to the public to protect the privacy of the prosecutor's relative that is the subject of the motion. The defense has requested that the hearing be limited to taking evidence on the motion, and that the motion be argued at a later date after supplemental briefs are filed.
The hearing this Friday, January 16th, is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. MDT. It will address the defense motion to disqualify the Utah County Attorney's Office. We anticipate that at least part of the hearing will be closed to the public to protect the privacy of the prosecutor's relative that is the subject of the motion. The defense has requested that the hearing be limited to taking evidence on the motion, and that the motion be argued at a later date after supplemental briefs are filed.
The court will hold a hearing on December 11th at noon to address two primary issues:
Whether portions of the transcript from the closed hearing on October 24, 2025—addressing the Defendant's motion to appear at hearings in civilian clothing and without restraints—should be made public; and
The State's motion to clarify the court's pretrial publicity order.
Today, a judge sentenced Nicholas Rossi to a prison term of five years to life for a 2008 rape in Orem, Utah. Agreeing completely with the prosecution’s position that Rossi was manipulative and posed a significant risk of future dangerousness, the judge ordered Rossi to serve this sentence consecutively to an identical sentence for rape imposed last month by a Salt Lake County judge. Rossi will therefore spend at least ten years in prison for both rapes.
“This sentence is a significant victory for the victim in this case, and for sexual assault victims across the state,” said prosecutor Stephen Jones. “While every case is unique, this case is proof that juries can and will convict based on a victim’s report. The strength this victim has demonstrated is absolutely remarkable.”
September 27, 2025
Defendant, Tyler Robinson, will not appear in person at the waiver hearing set for Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. MDT.
He will attend virtually from the jail.
The following individuals are included in the Tyler Robinson Trial Team:
Jeff Gray - Bio
Chad Grunander - Bio
Ryan McBride - Bio
David Sturgill - Bio
Lauren Hunt - Bio
Christopher Ballard - Bio
Read Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray's statement on the arrest of Tyler Robinson, the process for filing formal charges, and the press conference to announce those charges.