Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, is attempting to avoid facing the death penalty by questioning the “reliability of DNA evidence” used against him.
Robinson was charged with aggravated murder last year after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot at Utah Valley University in September 2025.
In addition to murder, Robinson faces several other charges including obstruction of justice, following his alleged attempt to discard evidence. The prosecution is pursuing the death penalty.
A preliminary court hearing is underway to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
During the hearing, defense attorney Michael Burt contested the DNA evidence linking Robinson to a bolt-action rifle found wrapped in a towel near the crime scene.
“She can’t match Mr. Robinson to the questioned samples because she didn’t do the sequence testing,” Burt argued to FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker.
Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride stated that such discussions are suited for a trial rather than the preliminary hearing, where the goal is to establish enough evidence to advance the case to court.
McBride explained: “The point is there are explanations that are susceptible to different interpretations and arguments. Ultimately we’re going to have an expert hearing where all of the literature is before the court and the court is going to determine if it meets the threshold of reliability at trial.”
Bakker also testified that a DNA sample from Robinson’s roommate, Lance Twiggs, contained DNA from two individuals.
Jennifer Faumuina of the Utah State Bureau of Investigation asserted that the two people were Twiggs and “very likely” Robinson.
The hearing has featured testimonies from multiple individuals, including former Utah Valley University Officer Christopher Bagley, who claimed to have witnessed Kirk’s shooting.
Bagley reported finding a gravel rooftop nearby, configured as a ‘sniper pad’.
“It looks like a sniper pad,” Bagley said according to PBS, noting markings that suggested a sniper’s position.
Bagley described seeing the right side of Kirk’s body during the shooting incident.
He stated: “I saw him go to the left … I could no longer see the right side of his body. Then everybody started getting up and started to run, more of a chaos situation.”
Robinson has not yet entered a plea as the prosecution seeks the death penalty.
12pm – Kirk hosts a planned event at Utah Valley University (UVU).
12.23pm – During a discussion on gun violence, Kirk is shot in the neck. Video footage captures the podcaster collapsing before being hurriedly carried away in a vehicle as the crowd dissolves into chaos.
2.40pm – President Donald Trump later confirmed Kirk’s death on Truth Social, posting: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”
At a press conference, authorities disclosed the discovery of a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel, along with bullet casings bearing phrases like “Hey fascist, catch!” and references related to the furry subculture.
Meanwhile, the FBI released images and video of a ‘person of interest.’ Tyler Robinson’s mother allegedly identified him, leading his parents to confront him.
Later that day, Robinson surrendered to the police.
During a Fox and Friends appearance, Trump confirmed a suspect was in custody: “Essentially, someone that was very close to him turned him in.”
Authorities later announced Robinson’s arrest, noting his confession to his father, who alerted a family friend, ultimately leading to the involvement of the US Marshals who apprehended the 22-year-old.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, made her first statement after her husband’s death, declaring that his movement “is not going anywhere.”
She added: “You have no idea the fire you’ve ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.”
Prosecutors announced charges against Robinson, which included aggravated murder, committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, two counts of witness tampering, two counts of obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm. Robinson made his initial court appearance.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray indicated prosecutors would seek the death penalty if Robinson is found guilty, stating: “I do not take this decision lightly.”
During Kirk’s memorial service on September 21, Erika Kirk, 37, honored her husband and explained why she had forgiven his killer.
“My husband, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said.
“On the cross, our saviour said: ‘Father, forgive them for they not know what they do.’
“That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do.”
A five-day preliminary hearing commenced, where the prosecution presented evidence against Robinson.