Key DNA Evidence Presented
New DNA Evidence Links Tyler Robinson and Lance Twiggs to Charlie Kirk's Murder at Utah Event
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Key Points
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Two forensic DNA experts—one from Utah and one from the FBI—confirmed the DNA lab report presented during the Provo preliminary hearing, providing independent validation of the DNA findings from the towel and screwdriver.
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Prosecutors revealed a handwritten note found under Lance Twiggs's computer keyboard detailing the plot, alongside text messages in which Robinson allegedly confessed to Twiggs.
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Prosecutors said the murder weapon involved was Robinson’s grandfather’s rifle, wrapped in a towel, and that Robinson allegedly admitted to shooting Kirk via text messages after the fact.
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Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, attended the proceedings, underscoring the personal impact of the case as testimony unfolded in court.
DNA from both Tyler Robinson and his former roommate Lance Twiggs was found on a towel and a screwdriver recovered near Utah Valley University, prosecutors revealed during Robinson's preliminary hearing for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to Fox 13. The towel was used to wrap a Mauser 98 rifle — identified as Robinson's grandfather's gun — found at a sniper's perch overlooking the shooting scene.
Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder in the death of Kirk, who was shot during a Turning Point USA event on the UVU campus. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. The week-long hearing in Provo is aimed at establishing probable cause to send the case to trial, Daily Mail reported.
DNA Links Robinson and Twiggs to the Murder Weapon
Two forensic DNA experts — one from Utah, one from the FBI — confirmed findings from the lab report presented in court. Both said the DNA on the towel and screwdriver came from two male contributors. Robinson was identified as the likely major contributor. Twiggs, Robinson's trans lover and roommate, was identified as the likely minor contributor, according to Western Journal.
Twiggs has not been charged. He is cooperating with investigators and provided buccal swabs — cheek-swab DNA samples — to help build full DNA profiles for comparison. Surveillance footage from around campus is also being reviewed to track Robinson's movements on and near the day of the shooting, Daily Mail reported.
Handwritten Note and Text Messages Detail Alleged Plot
Prosecutors revealed a handwritten note found under Twiggs's computer keyboard. The note laid out details of the alleged plot to kill Kirk. Prosecutors also presented text messages in which Robinson allegedly confessed to Twiggs after the shooting, saying he had carried out the killing, according to Fox 13.
Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, attended the proceedings in Provo. Her presence underscored the personal toll of the case as testimony unfolded. The hearing is expected to last the full week as prosecutors present their remaining evidence, Your Conroe News reported.
Defense Challenges Reliability of DNA Testing
Robinson's lawyers pushed back hard on the DNA evidence. A member of the defense team questioned how the DNA lab processed and analyzed the samples, arguing the results were not reliable enough to link Robinson to the weapon, according to Christian Index. The defense is expected to continue challenging other parts of the state's case as the hearing goes on.
The screwdriver's exact role has not been fully explained by authorities. It was found near the same sniper's perch as the rifle and towel. Prosecutors plan to present it alongside other physical evidence. Defense lawyers have disputed its connection to Robinson as well, Fox 13 reported.
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