Tyler Robinson case: Attorneys spar over DNA found on items near the crime scene

Tyler Robinson case: Attorneys spar over DNA found on items near the crime scene

The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the Utah man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, continued on July 7, 2026, in Provo, Utah. During the second day of proceedings, prosecutors presented DNA evidence and surveillance footage to link Robinson to the fatal shooting, while defense attorneys questioned the reliability of the forensic findings and the thoroughness of the investigation.

The hearing focuses on whether prosecutors have enough evidence to bring Robinson to trial on an aggravated murder charge. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, arguing the shooting endangered others and was motivated by political hatred. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.

Forensic Disputes and DNA Evidence

A central point of contention during the July 7 proceedings was DNA recovered from items near the scene. FBI Analyst Amanda Bakker testified that Robinson's DNA was found on two specific items:

• A towel wrapped around a bolt-action rifle recovered from a wooded area near campus.
• A screwdriver found on the rooftop of the Losee Center for Student Success at Utah Valley University.

Bakker noted that the DNA of Robinson's former roommate and lover, Lance Twiggs, was also present on both items. However, she stated that Twiggs' sample was used as an elimination sample, as he is not accused of any crime. An FBI report introduced in court indicated that DNA on the towel was far more likely to have come from Robinson and Twiggs than from Twiggs and an unknown person.

Defense attorney Michael Burt challenged the credibility of these findings, questioning Bakker on the limitations of the testing. Bakker testified that her report did not provide an absolute identification, did not claim a zero error rate, and could not determine when or how the DNA was deposited on the items.

Reconstruction of the Shooting

Former Utah State Bureau of Investigations Agent David Hull provided a timeline of Robinson's alleged movements on September 10. According to Hull, surveillance video shows Robinson arriving in a silver Dodge Challenger at a campus parking garage around 8:30 a.m. Robinson allegedly returned to campus on foot carrying a blue backpack and purchased food at Chick-fil-A.

Hull testified that Robinson later returned in different clothing, walking with a limp. He described video showing the defendant climbing over a railing onto the roof of the Losee Center, crouching and moving to the edge of the rooftop before the shot was fired. After the shooting, the video allegedly shows Robinson running across the roof and dropping to the ground to flee on foot.

Officer Christopher Bagley testified that he heard a gunshot and saw Kirk lean under a tent as the crowd scattered. Upon examining the roof, which had a direct line of sight to the tent, Bagley found a screwdriver and disturbed gravel that appeared as though someone had been lying prone.

Defense Challenges and Investigative Gaps

Defense attorney Kathryn Nester questioned Agent Hull regarding potential inconsistencies in the investigation. She pointed to other weapons found on campus, including a handgun in a backpack and a report from an off-duty trooper regarding a gun in a holster near the amphitheater. Hull clarified that a bullet found at a different location was traced back to a law enforcement officer who had cleared his weapon.

Hull further admitted that while investigators had identified a person of interest before Robinson turned himself in, the rooftop video alone was not clear enough to identify the shooter at that time.

Motive and Context

Prosecutors allege that Robinson left a confession note for Twiggs stating, I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it, and sent a text claiming he had enough of his hatred.

The defense attempted to block a statement from Turning Point USA board member David Englehardt regarding the organization's traditional Christian values, with attorney Richard Novak arguing the statement did not reflect Robinson's state of mind. Judge Tony Graf provisionally admitted the statement as relevant.

The courtroom attendance on July 7 included Robinson's parents, Matt and Amber Robinson, as well as Kirk's parents, Kathryn and Robert, and his widow, Erika. Donald Trump Jr. Was also present, describing Kirk as one of his closest friends.

The preliminary hearings are scheduled to continue through July 10, at which point Judge Graf will decide if the charges can move forward to trial.