To get the death penalty in Utah, a defendant has to commit "aggravated murder" — that is, a murder that's particularly heinous, committed alongside other crimes, or involves other factors that state law deems exceptional.

Why it matters: At a preliminary hearing this week, a judge is deciding whether Tyler Robinson can be charged with aggravated murder, which would make him eligible for the death penalty if he's convicted in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at UVU in September.

Zoom in: In Robinson's case, prosecutors are arguing for execution because the shooting was in a crowd and put other people at "great risk of death" — an aggravating factor under Utah law.

The intrigue: In Utah's recent history of capital punishment, it's an uncommon argument.

By the numbers: Putting others' lives at risk was an alleged aggravating factor in just two prior murder cases of 14 where the death penalty was upheld in the past 50 years:

• Ogden's notorious "Hi-Fi" murders of 1974.
• Ronnie Lee Gardner, who was executed by firing squad in 2010 for fatally shooting an attorney and wounding a bailiff while trying to escape from the Salt Lake County courthouse during a hearing for a previous murder charge in 1985.

Here are other aggravating circumstances that have played a role in Utah's death sentences:

Other crimes: The most common factor by far, at least 10 defendants were convicted of murder alongside robbery, rape, kidnapping, burglary and other charges.

• Gary Gilmore was the nation's first executionee after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the death penalty in 1976. He chose firing squad over hanging after he was convicted of one murder and admitted to another he committed while robbing a gas station and a hotel in Utah County.

Heinous cruelty was cited in at least six cases, including the most recent one:

• Floyd Maestas was sentenced in 2008 for beating, strangling, stabbing and stomping a 72-year-old woman in Glendale. He died in prison.

There were multiple victims in at least four cases, including that of Ron Lafferty, whose 1984 murder of his sister-in-law and baby niece was the focus of the best-selling book and miniseries "Under the Banner of Heaven."

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"Béisbol en Salt Lake" returns to The Ballpark at America First Square in September for two back-to-back nights of baseball and a celebration of Latino culture.

State of play: Two Mexican teams — Águilas de Mexicali and the Jaguares de Nayarit — will face off Sept. 26-27 during Hispanic Heritage Month.

• Both teams play for la Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico, a winter professional league.

Flashback: Now in its third year, the inaugural event in 2024 was one of the final events at Smith's Ballpark before the Salt Lake Bees moved to Daybreak.

What they're saying: "Béisbol en Salt Lake has become a meaningful way for us to celebrate the game while honoring Hispanic culture and traditions that bring so much vibrancy to our community," Michelle Smith, president of Miller Sports + Entertainment, said in a statement.

The big picture: Latino communities' history with baseball stretches back more than a century.

• The sport was introduced in Cuba in the mid-1800s by students returning from their studies in the U.S. with knowledge of the game.

State of play: The Saturday game will feature a free youth baseball clinic and a post-game drone show.

• Sunday's festivities will include a mariachi concert.
• Both games will also feature live dance performances.

Before you go: Single-game tickets are available starting at $15.

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⚖️Attorneys clashed yesterday over whether to show a video interview from Lance Twiggs, Tyler Robinson's roommate and romantic partner at the time of the shooting. (Associated Press)

📺 Donald Trump Jr., who joined Charlie Kirk's widow Erika in the courtroom this week, told Fox News' Bill Hemmer yesterday that the hearing has been "very tough" to watch.

• "I haven't been that vocal because I haven't known what's real and what's not. But having literally been there in the room, seen the evidence with my own eyes, it's very clear to me that Tyler Robinson will be found guilty," he said.

🔥 Firefighters are making headway on the Babylon Fire in southeastern Utah, which is now 11% contained. The blaze had burned over 101,000 acres as of yesterday. (Salt Lake Tribune)

After nearly five years of proudly calling Salt Lake City home, I traded my 500-square-foot apartment for a roomier pad in Midvale's suburbs.

Why it matters: I used to say I didn't go beyond 2100 South. Now, all I want to do is get to know my new community.

• So far, I've become a regular at Tous Les Jours, El Potrero Market and Sal Y Limón.

You tell me: What are some Midvale gems you recommend?

• Hit reply with your suggestions.