Prosecutors say they have presented strong evidence against Tyler Robinson, the 23 year old accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
During a preliminary hearing, officials showed surveillance videos, DNA evidence, ballistic reports, and messages that they say connect Robinson to the shooting. The defence team challenged the evidence and questioned the reliability of investigators’ findings.
Prosecutors Describe Robinson’s Movements
According to prosecutors, Robinson travelled to Utah Valley University in Orem on the day Kirk was killed. Investigators showed footage that they say captured Robinson moving around the campus before the attack.
The video allegedly showed him buying food from Chick-fil-A, eating on campus, and briefly interacting with members of Kirk’s organisation, Turning Point USA.
Prosecutors also showed footage of a person they identified as Robinson returning to campus wearing different clothes. They claimed the person changed his walking style and appeared to keep one leg straight.
Investigators said Robinson later moved toward the rooftop of the Losee Center, where they believe the shot that killed Kirk was fired from around 415 feet away.
Evidence Presented
Charlie Kirk, a close ally of former President Donald Trump and founder of Turning Point USA, was killed while speaking at a university event on 10 September last year. The 31 year old father of two died after a gunshot struck him in the neck.
During the hearing, prosecutors presented what they described as key evidence, including DNA found on a rifle and messages they say contain a confession.
Utah County prosecutors argued that the evidence strongly supports moving the case toward trial.
Chief Deputy Utah County Attorney General Chad Grunander told the court that the evidence presented over four days was overwhelming and showed a clear connection between Robinson and the crime.
Defence Team Questions Evidence
Robinson’s lawyers challenged the prosecution’s case and raised concerns about DNA testing, ballistics reports, expert opinions, and investigation procedures.
The defence argued that some evidence could be unreliable and questioned how investigators handled and interpreted their findings.
Robinson, who worked as a trainee electrician, has not entered a plea. A Utah County judge will decide whether the case should proceed to trial.
Roommate’s Interview Provides Details
Much of the information revealed during the hearing came from Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner.
In a recorded interview with prosecutors, Twiggs said Robinson often discussed politics, Donald Trump, and current events. However, Twiggs said they never talked about LGBT issues and he had never heard Robinson mention Charlie Kirk.
Twiggs said Robinson left home unusually early on the morning of the shooting, around 04:00.
Families React During Hearing
The court proceedings attracted significant public attention, with some people waiting overnight for one of the limited seats available to spectators.
Families of both Robinson and Kirk showed strong emotions during the hearing. During video evidence from the day of the shooting, Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, reportedly comforted Robinson’s emotional mother before both looked away from the footage.
Prosecutors described Robinson as a former college student and gamer who allegedly used a family rifle to carry out the attack and later attempted to hide evidence.
The judge’s decision will determine whether the Charlie Kirk murder case moves forward to a full trial.
