Hearing for Suspected Killer in Charlie Kirk Assassination

In Provo, Utah, a significant clue emerged in the investigation of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. A towel and a screwdriver found during the probe reportedly had the DNA of Tyler Robinson, the suspect, as well as DNA from Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s former lover and roommate.

Robinson, 23, is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, 31, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Prosecutors allege Robinson used the towel to hide the suspected murder weapon in woods near the university.

Evidence Recovery

Law enforcement officials testified that they found the screwdriver in a location overlooking the event. Both Robinson and Twiggs provided buccal swabs to law enforcement, aiding the creation of full DNA profiles.

The preliminary hearing for Robinson began on Monday and is expected to last all week. Prosecutors must establish probable cause to proceed to trial on several charges, including aggravated murder, which might carry the death penalty.

Details from the Hearing

David Hull from the Utah Department of Public Safety testified with surveillance footage that supposedly shows Robinson on campus before and after the shooting. A Dodge Challenger is seen in this footage, linked to Robinson.

Sgt. Jennifer Faumuina from the State Bureau of Investigations shared her findings as part of the evidence response team. They discovered the screwdriver on the rooftop of UVU’s Losee Center, and the murder weapon, a Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle, wrapped in a towel nearby. This weapon had been modified to fire .30-06 rounds, aligning with bullet fragments from Kirk’s autopsy.

Faumuina confirmed DNA from both the towel and screwdriver matched Robinson and Twiggs. Robinson allegedly confessed to Twiggs in a note and text messages. Twiggs, though cooperating with investigators, faces no charges.

Forensic Testimony

FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker stated Robinson is probably the main contributor in mixed DNA samples found on both items. Twiggs is believed to be a secondary contributor. Prosecution and defense exchanged challenges during Bakker’s testimony.

Judge Tony Graf Jr. monitored the questioning closely. During the session, courtroom observers, including Kirk’s widow Erika Kirk, watched Bakker explain DNA graphs. As Burt, Robinson’s defense attorney, continued, some in the gallery shook their heads at the proceedings.

Possible Trial Outcome

Robinson has not entered a plea yet. If prosecutors successfully establish probable cause, a trial will proceed. Legal experts suggest the prosecutor is likely to succeed, dismissing the chance of failure. A Maryland attorney stated, “Barring the prosecutor somehow forgetting how to get to the courthouse, there’s no realistic chance the state fails to establish probable cause.”