Director denies Scripps News appeal for bodycam and photos in Robinson matter

The state records director denied an appeal by Scripps News seeking body-worn camera footage and photos related to the Tyler Robinson matter, finding the same investigatory and fair-trial concerns that supported an earlier denial.

Scripps counsel argued that records are presumptively public under GRAMA and that inconsistent public descriptions increased the public interest in full disclosure, including bodycam footage and still images. Counsel also argued that trial safeguards such as expanded voir dire and jury questionnaires can mitigate prejudice.

Utah County and intervenor counsel for Robinson repeated prior arguments that release could interfere with ongoing investigations and risk depriving the defendant of a fair trial, citing the active and evolving nature of the prosecution. Utah County said statements already released do not eliminate the prejudicial force of original footage and cautioned against additional public circulation.

Director Pearson said he had reviewed the materials and applied the same legal framework and findings from the prior appeal (63G-2-305(10)(a)-(c)). He concluded the petitioners did not meet the preponderance standard required to show the public interest outweighs the risk of interference and denied Scripps’ appeal, with a written decision to follow within seven business days and appeal rights to district court within 30 days.

The director noted the reputability of the petitioner but emphasized that once images enter the public sphere they cannot be controlled and could cause lasting prejudice to trial fairness.