Utah judge to decide if murder suspect will face trial after prosecutors present DNA and text evidence

Utah County prosecutors outlined what they said was overwhelming evidence tying 23-year-old Tyler Robinson to the September 10, 2023 shooting of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, during a preliminary hearing. The case, which could carry the death penalty, hinges on DNA recovered from a rifle and a towel, surveillance footage showing Robinson on the university campus, and text messages in which Robinson admitted to the shooting and expressed remorse.

The prosecution presented CCTV images of Robinson buying food, interacting with members of Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization, and climbing onto the rooftop from which the fatal shot was fired. State Bureau of Investigation Agent David Hull testified that video showed Robinson rolling over a railing onto the rooftop and later dropping down with an unknown object in his hand. Texts between Robinson and his former roommate, Lance Twiggs, included Robinson’s confession that he had hidden his grandfather’s rifle in campus bushes and later retrieved it, as well as statements such as, "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."

Robinson’s defense team, which has not yet entered a plea, objected to the evidence on grounds of hearsay and potential juror bias, questioning the reliability of DNA and ballistics analyses. They also sought to limit the impact of the roommate’s recorded interview and the surveillance footage.

"The evidence is overwhelming. It's devastating," Chief Deputy Utah County Attorney General Chad Grunander told Judge Tony Graf.

The hearing attracted significant public interest, with limited seating for spectators. Both the victim’s family and Robinson’s family were present, and emotional moments were reported as video of the rooftop chase was shown. The court will now consider written briefs from both sides, and Judge Graf has scheduled the next hearing for September 1 to decide whether the case will proceed to trial.