Petito Appeal Could Unlock Charlie Kirk Wrongful-Death Suit Over 2025 Utah Killing
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 23
Petito Appeal Could Unlock Charlie Kirk Wrongful-Death Suit Over 2025 Utah Killing
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 23
Summary
A Utah Supreme Court appeal in Gabby Petito's case could determine whether Charlie Kirk's family can sue Utah entities over alleged security failures before his Sept. 10, 2025 shooting at Utah Valley University.
Brian Stewart, a lawyer for the Petito family, said Kirk's claims would likely be dismissed under Utah's governmental immunity law unless the court overturns or limits the 1996 Tiede precedent.
Petito's family argues Utah's constitution bars lawmakers from eliminating wrongful-death claims; their suit says Moab police mishandled a 2021 stop involving Brian Laundrie two weeks before he killed her.
Kirk's family already filed a notice of claim alleging UVU, the state and officials failed to secure rooftop access despite assurances from UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long; Stewart said they are also preserving a possible federal claim.
Tyler Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty in Kirk's killing and could face the death penalty on an aggravated murder charge, with a scheduling hearing set for Friday.