Legal Proceedings in the Charlie Kirk Assassination Case
During the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a towel and screwdriver were found to contain DNA from both the accused, Tyler Robinson, and his former roommate, Lance Twiggs. Robinson, aged 23, is charged with the fatal shooting of Kirk at an event hosted by Turning Point USA at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The incident occurred during an outdoor event at the university.
The purpose of the screwdriver remains unknown, but law enforcement discovered it at an alleged sniper’s location with a view of the event. Twiggs and Robinson provided DNA samples, which were used to create full DNA profiles.
Robinson’s preliminary hearing started on Monday and is expected to continue throughout the week. Prosecutors need to demonstrate probable cause to advance to trial, where Robinson faces several charges, including aggravated murder, which may result in the death penalty if he is convicted.
David Hull from the Utah Department of Public Safety testified on Tuesday, as prosecutors presented surveillance footage purportedly showing Robinson on campus before and after the shooting. The video also captured him in his Dodge Challenger.
Sgt. Jennifer Faumuina from the State Bureau of Investigations led the evidence response team at Utah Valley University following the shooting. Her testimony included the retrieval of a screwdriver from the rooftop of the campus’ Losee Center, where Robinson allegedly fired the fatal shot. A Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle, the suspected murder weapon, was also found wrapped in a dark-colored towel. This rifle was modified to fire .30-06 caliber rounds, matching the bullet fragments found during Kirk’s autopsy.
“The DNA evidence connects both Robinson and Twiggs to the crime scene,” Faumuina testified.
Robinson had allegedly confessed to the crime in written notes and text messages to Twiggs, who is cooperating with investigators. Twiggs has not been charged, though his DNA presence in the evidence supports the case against Robinson.
A forensic analyst from the FBI, Amanda Bakker, stated that Robinson’s DNA likely dominated the mixed samples on the towel and screwdriver, with Twiggs as a minor contributor. During cross-examination, defense attorney Michael Burt’s questioning led to frequent objections from prosecutor Ryan McBride, who claimed the inquiries exceeded the scope of probable cause determination.
Judge Tony Graf Jr. intervened during the questioning, prompting brief courtroom humor as McBride commented on the defense’s procedural strategy. Observers, including Kirk’s widow Erika and Kirk’s father, watched attentively during the exchanges.
Robinson has yet to plead in this case. If prosecutors successfully demonstrate probable cause, Robinson will be invited to enter a plea. Experts anticipate this outcome given the evidence presented so far.
“Failure to establish probable cause seems unlikely,” said Maryland attorney Randolph Rice, speaking to Fox News Digital.