Tyler Robinson’s father runs thriving hometown business as taxpayers face possible $10M defense bill: report
Tyler Robinson's father was back running his local business days after standing beside his son in court, where prosecutors laid out a mountain of explosive evidence at last week's preliminary hearing, according to a report.
Matthew Robinson has stood by his son through the court proceedings and was the one who helped turn him in to police after he allegedly confessed to killing conservative icon Charlie Kirk. While the father has stood by Tyler Robinson's side, Utah taxpayers are on the hook for his defense, which experts told the New York Post could go beyond $10 million.
Matthew Robinson was seen shuttling between his $600,000 southern Utah home and the masonry business he runs, just days after his son's preliminary hearing, the New York Post reported.
According to sources who spoke with the outlet, the business relies almost entirely on referrals and long-standing client relationships to stay afloat.
After his son was accused of killing Kirk, most of Matthew Robinson's clients have decided to keep doing business with the company. Only on rare occasions does Matthew Robinson mention his son, according to a colleague.
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Matthew Robinson was sued by his brother and a co-founder of the company, claiming $100,000 was embezzled over two years, according to a 2014 lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that Matthew Robinson concealed financial records and bartered work in exchange for personal favors.
The brothers would eventually reach a confidential settlement.
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The total cost of prosecuting Tyler Robinson has yet to be finalized, but his defense team has requested an additional $2 million in state funding, a figure experts believe could ultimately balloon past $10 million overall.
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors played a recorded video interview with the Kirk assassination suspect's ex-roommate and lover, Lance Twiggs, who said Tyler Robinson confessed to the killing.
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"I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet," Robinson allegedly texted Twiggs. "Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you."
"You weren’t the one who did it right????" Twiggs replied.
"I am," Robinson allegedly texted back. "I’m sorry."
