Key facts
- Tyler Robinson is accused of the Sept. 10 assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
- Prosecutors presented videos allegedly showing Robinson on campus before and after the shooting.
- Robinson's former roommate stated Robinson expressed regret for the killing.
- Messages attributed to Robinson suggest he confessed to the act.
- Defense attorneys challenged the reliability of DNA evidence linking Robinson to the crime scene.
- A judge will decide whether Robinson must stand trial after final arguments.
Prosecutors presented evidence over five days in a preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, accused of the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Defense attorneys sought to create doubt regarding DNA analysis and witness testimony. Prosecutors showed videos they claim depict Robinson on campus on the day of the shooting, including one of him purchasing food and another of a man believed to be him climbing onto a rooftop before the shooting.
During the hearing, a recording of Robinson's former roommate, Lance Twiggs, was played, in which Twiggs stated Robinson said he wished he hadn't killed Kirk. Prosecutors also presented Discord messages allegedly from Robinson, stating, "it was me at UVU yesterday. Im sorry for all of this. Im surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments." A note left for Twiggs reportedly read, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it."
Defense attorneys unsuccessfully argued against the public release of these statements, concerned they would be characterized as confessions. They also questioned the reliability of DNA evidence found on a towel wrapped around the suspected murder weapon and a screwdriver found on the rooftop. An FBI DNA analyst testified that Robinson was a "possible contributor" to the DNA found, but defense attorney Michael Burt challenged these conclusions, arguing the analyst could not "match Mr. Robinson to the questioned samples."
The proceedings were emotional for Kirk's family, including his widow, Erika Kirk, and parents Kathryn and Robert Kirk, who attended each day. Robinson's parents also attended. Donald Trump Jr. and activist Jack Posobiec were also present in court. Supporters and members of the public lined up for limited seating, with some camping outside the courthouse.