Prosecutors present roommate testimony in murder case of conservative activist
During a hearing, prosecutors introduced an investigative interview and text messages from the suspect's former roommate, revealing details about the shooting and the suspect's behavior afterward.
On the fourth day of a hearing in the case of Tyler Robinson, 23, prosecutors introduced an interview with his former roommate and romantic partner, identified as Twiggs. The interview, recorded in April, showed Twiggs answering questions from prosecutor Ryan McBride while intermittently drinking water. Twiggs testified that Robinson had asked for an engraving tool months before the September 10, 2025 shooting, claiming he wanted to mark bullets for a family hunting trip, a plan Twiggs said he did not share.
According to the testimony, Robinson left their residence around 04:00 on the day of the shooting, telling Twiggs he was heading to a distant job. Later that night, while near the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, where the activist was shot, Robinson texted Twiggs that he had hidden his rifle in nearby bushes after changing clothes and was waiting to retrieve it. He complained about loud crickets and feared a sniffer dog might locate the firearm. Police presence remained at the location.
Robinson later messaged Twiggs that he was leaving Orem and traveling back to their apartment in St. George, more than three hours away. Twiggs recounted confronting Robinson the following day, stating, "> He admitted the previous night's actions, began to cry, and said he wishes he hadn't done it."
Robinson has not entered a plea, and the judge will decide whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed to trial in a case that could carry the death penalty.