Forensic analysis found DNA on the weapon overwhelmingly likely to belong to Robinson. His partner testified Robinson confessed multiple times to the murder.
2:29 AM
A Utah judge allowed video testimony from Tyler Robinson's partner to be presented Thursday at a preliminary hearing in the case against Robinson, 23, who is accused of fatally shooting conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025.
Lance Twiggs, 22, Robinson's roommate and romantic partner, appeared in a pre-recorded deposition shown in court. Twiggs testified that Robinson confessed to killing Kirk three times—in a handwritten letter, text messages, and in person after returning to their apartment the day after the shooting.
According to Twiggs' account, Robinson came home the morning after the assassination and broke down, telling Twiggs he "wishes he hadn't done it" and that he was about to turn himself in. When Twiggs asked Robinson whether text messages sent the previous day—in which Robinson allegedly confessed to the murder—were true, Robinson confirmed they were and began to cry.
A handwritten letter from Robinson to Twiggs was accidentally displayed during the hearing. The letter read: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it. I don't know if I will/have succeeded, but I had hoped to make it home to you." The letter continued: "If you are reading this per my text, then I am so sorry. I left the house this morning on a mission, and set an auto text." Robinson had hidden the note under his computer keyboard for Twiggs to find.
Text messages presented by prosecutors showed Robinson telling Twiggs that the rifle used in the shooting belonged to his grandfather and that he was worried about whether police would trace its serial number. In another message, Robinson boasted that the gun worked "just fine." Robinson also expressed concern about his father being upset with him for losing the rifle.
Forensic analysis of the weapon and cartridges allegedly used to kill Kirk concluded that DNA found on them is extremely likely to belong to Robinson, according to a report presented by prosecutors.
Twiggs also testified in the recording that Robinson spent weeks planning the assassination. According to Twiggs, Robinson asked about a month before the shooting whether they had a Dremel engraver tool because he wanted to "create messages on bullets." Bullet casings presented as evidence showed engravings including the phrase "notices bulge."
Twiggs said Robinson told him he was planning to go hunting with his family around the time he asked about the engraver tool.
A Utah judge on Wednesday ruled to allow the video statement from Twiggs to be presented in court with one section near its end redacted. Erika Kirk, the victim's sister, sobbed in the courtroom as the judge made the ruling. Kirk's attorney Jeffrey Neiman argued that redacting portions of the video would suggest to the public that additional undisclosed material existed.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea in the case.
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