Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer Tyler Robinson may spend the rest of his days locked up in a Utah jail plagued by scabies outbreaks, swarms of mosquitoes and violent attacks – where he could one day face execution
The Utah State Correctional Facility – plagued by scabies outbreaks, swarms of mosquitoes, drug smuggling and violent attacks – is the prison where Tyler Robinson may spend the rest of his life if convicted of murdering right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk.
Robinson, 22, was arrested on Thursday night after Kirk was gunned down at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem. He faces charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury. Governor Spencer Cox has confirmed the state will seek the death penalty, meaning Robinson could one day face execution in the prison’s death chamber.
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The $1 billion facility opened in 2022 with promises of modern design, better rehabilitation and improved medical care. Instead, it has become notorious for disease, pests, drugs and disorder. Earlier this year, 140 inmates were treated for scabies after a geriatric prisoner tested positive, forcing mass testing, disinfecting of dormitories and sterilisation of bedding and clothing.
Its wetland location has also turned it into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Lawmakers were forced to allocate $300,000 (£221,000) for pest control after infestations swarmed inmates and staff. Repellent was later distributed for free, though access was restricted for those in higher-security units. “We take the concerns about mosquitoes seriously and are working to alleviate as many concerns as possible,” UDC Assistant Deputy Executive Director Spencer Turley said.
The jail has also been rocked by drug smuggling. At least three visitors were arrested in just over a week for attempting to sneak in substances, according to KSL. One woman cut a hole in a plexiglass barrier and used her car key to push strips of Suboxone – an opioid addiction treatment drug – to an inmate.
Security has been another major failure. Three correctional officers were assaulted in January 2023, prompting new cameras and safety measures. Yet by February the facility admitted it had less than half the 135 officers it needed to run properly. Staffing shortages forced the closure of three housing units, with guards drafted in from other prisons to plug the gaps.
If Robinson is convicted, this so-called “Hellhole Jail” is where he will likely live out his final days. The 22-year-old is said to be on “special watch” at the facility, where he is being evaluated to determine if he is a risk to himself or others, CBS reports.
Robinson is due for his first court appearance on Tuesday.