Inside Utah's 'hellhole' prison where Tyler Robinson could face firing squad if convicted

Tyler Robinson, a 22 year old man, is staring down the barrel of life imprisonment or even potential execution in Utah State Correctional Facility if convicted of the heinous murder of Charlie Kirk.

Robinson stands accused of gunning down the 31 year old right-wing activist in front of an audience of around 3,000 during a debate at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. After a nationwide manhunt that spanned 33 hours, Robinson was finally captured and thrown into a Utah jail without bail on multiple charges.

His first appearance in court took place on Tuesday, represented by a court-appointed solicitor. The news emerged as Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson was charged - and five things we learnt.

In the wake of his arrest, those close to him have voiced their disbelief that he could be behind the attack on the university campus. Meanwhile, the grandmother of Charlie Kirk's alleged killer has put forward an alternative theory.

High-profile figures, including ex-President Trump, have called for Robinson to face the death penalty, reports the Mirror US.

At present, Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder, first-degree obstruction of justice, and a felony discharge of a firearm resulting in serious bodily harm.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has made clear his intention to seek the death penalty for Robinson if he is found guilty.

If convicted, it is expected that Robinson will spend the rest of his days in the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City, according to The Daily Mail.

The facility, capable of housing up to 3,600 inmates, is home to some of Utah's most dangerous criminals, ranging from those serving time for minor offences to individuals convicted of the state's most horrific crimes.

Labelled a "hellhole," the complex is situated just five miles from the city's airport and features vast floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing prisoners to soak up natural sunlight and take in views of the surrounding mountain landscapes.

The institution houses both male and female offenders and provides a range of rehabilitation programmes including mental health services and medical care.

However, what is more daunting for the alleged murderer is the presence of an execution chamber - a room Tyler would only see if the court sentences him to death.

Utah currently enforces capital punishment, administered either through lethal injection or firing squad.

Despite costing US taxpayers a staggering £1 billion to construct, the massive facility has already become a hotbed for major disease outbreaks and drug problems since its opening in 2022.

This spring alone, over 140 prisoners required medical treatment for scabies after an outbreak swept through the prison.

Scabies represents an exceptionally infectious ailment amongst people, with outbreaks capable of spreading swiftly, particularly via skin-to-skin contact. The establishment is simultaneously wrestling with numerous other problems, including serving as a "breeding ground" for hazardous insects, notably mosquitoes.

A 2023 report disclosed that one mosquito epidemic compelled authorities to fork out $300,000 for jail fumigation.

Furthermore, the prison is confronting a serious drug crisis, with opioids being trafficked in consistently.

The establishment is also struggling with staff shortages and overstretched resources, resulting in regular attacks on officers by violent criminals, making circumstances even more difficult for newcomers.

According to the Utah News Dispatch, the jail is now preparing for its inaugural official execution. Originally scheduled for Sept.5, the execution was postponed by the Utah Supreme Court.