By David Thomas

(Reuters) -The Utah criminal defense attorney appointed to represent Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin previously represented a once-fugitive leader of a polygamous sect and was a top public defender in Salt Lake City and San Diego.

Kathryn Nester, of the Salt Lake City-based law firm Nester Lewis, was appointed to represent Tyler Robinson, the Utah County Commission said in a press release on Wednesday.

The state is seeking the death penalty for Robinson, who was charged with one count of aggravated murder after he allegedly shot Kirk, 31, in the neck during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10.

Nester declined to comment.

Nester previously led the federal public defender’s office in the District of Utah and served as the executive director of Federa

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