Tyler Robinson to face preliminary hearing on DNA, rifle evidence in Charlie Kirk killing

A Utah preliminary hearing set for Monday will examine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to move the aggravated murder case against 23-year-old Tyler Robinson to trial. The hearing, which will be public, requires the state to show probable cause, a lower standard than the proof needed at a jury trial.

Robinson is accused of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a campus event at Utah Valley University last year. Prosecutors say DNA from Robinson was found on the trigger of a Mauser rifle recovered near the campus, along with a towel, three of four bullets and a screwdriver located near the alleged shooting perch. Digital evidence reportedly includes text messages and Discord communications that they say contain confessions.

Robinson’s roommate and alleged lover, Lance Twiggs, is cooperating with investigators but will not testify; prosecutors plan to play a video of his police interview. Twiggs is said to have received limited immunity and has not been charged.

The defense will be allowed to cross-examine witnesses, though they have highlighted that the ATF could not definitively match the fatal bullet to the recovered rifle, while analysts noted the caliber was consistent and a spent casing did match.

Kirk’s widow and parents are expected to attend the hearing. Robinson has not entered a plea and will not be required to do so unless the court finds probable cause.

Additional charges against Robinson include witness tampering, a violent offense in the presence of a child, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice.