Utah Supreme Court appeal in Gabby Petito case could open path for Kirk wrongful-death suit
An appeal of the Gabby Petito wrongful-death claim before the Utah Supreme Court may determine whether Charlie Kirk's family can pursue a similar suit over his 2025 killing.
The Petito family’s wrongful-death lawsuit against the Moab Police Department was dismissed on governmental-immunity grounds, prompting an appeal to the Utah Supreme Court. Brian Stewart argues the appeal must overturn the 1996 Tiede ruling, which upheld such dismissals when a third-party assault caused the death. A reversal could allow Charlie Kirk’s family, who filed a notice of claim after his September 10, 2025 assassination at a Turning Point USA gathering, to sue Utah Valley University, the state and officials for alleged security lapses.
The filing cites a text from UVU Police Chief Jeffrey Long promising protection, yet prosecutors say a sniper on a rooftop carried out the killing. Stewart notes that even if negligence is proven, the immunity statute may still block recovery, mirroring the Petito case. Kirk’s alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, has pleaded not guilty and faces a possible death-penalty charge.
Why it matters
The ruling could reshape Utah's ability to hold government bodies liable for deaths linked to third-party violence.
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