Defense Challenges Evidence in High-profile Murder Case
WHO:
ABC News - Tyler Robinson is the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
ABC News - Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and a close ally of President Trump.
Fox News - Lance Twiggs is Robinson's former roommate and reported romantic partner.
WHAT:
ABC News - Robinson's attorney, Michael Burt, stated, “Saying anything but inconclusive was inappropriate,” regarding the reliability of ballistics tests on a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body.
ABC News - Prosecutors presented a recorded interview with Twiggs, who said Robinson expressed remorse for the shooting before turning himself in.
ABC News - Robinson allegedly posted “it was me at UVU yesterday” in a chat room on the Discord social media platform shortly before turning himself in.
Fox News - Twiggs described that Robinson had said he was planning to go hunting with his family and asked if they had a Dremel tool to create messages on bullets.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson texted him, “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet,” after the shooting.
Fox News - Twiggs said Robinson allegedly replied, “I am,” when asked if he was the one who did it.
AP News - Prosecutors contend the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event, which could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.
AP News - The court played surveillance video that prosecutors said showed Robinson on the rooftop where he allegedly fired a single bullet that hit Kirk in the neck.
AP News - The weeklong preliminary hearing attracted intense media coverage and spectators who have angled for one of the 14 seats in the courtroom that are reserved for the public.
IJR - Newly released testimony and evidence presented during a preliminary hearing provide the most detailed account yet of the prosecution's case against Tyler Robinson.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson began engraving bullets roughly a month before the shooting.
Fox News - Prosecutors indicated that cartridges and a spent casing recovered from the suspected murder weapon had been engraved with messages, and a similar casing was found at Robinson and Twiggs' shared home.
ABC News - A decision from Judge Tony Graf regarding whether to proceed to trial will be made after September 1, when he scheduled oral arguments in the matter.
ABC News - Kirk's family expressed gratitude for the support and prayers offered to them, stating that the preliminary hearing "marks an important step forward in the pursuit of justice for Charlie."
Fox News - Twiggs described Robinson's alleged actions and conversations leading up to the shooting, including discussions about a Dremel tool for engraving bullets.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson had said he was planning to go hunting with his family and asked if they had a Dremel tool to create messages on bullets.
Fox News - Twiggs received a text message from Robinson instructing him to look under his keyboard, where he found a note allegedly stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it."
ABC News - The defense is challenging the reliability of ballistics tests and DNA evidence linking Robinson to the scene.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson began engraving bullets roughly a month before the shooting.
ABC News - One of Robinson's attorneys, Michael Burt, questioned the reliability of DNA evidence linking Robinson to the scene, stating that experts say the science behind DNA testing is sound.
ABC News - The defense plans to call a final witness during the preliminary hearing.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson allegedly took credit for the shooting in a conversation with him the night before the shooting.
AP News - Prosecutors presented a recorded interview with Twiggs, who said Robinson expressed remorse for the shooting before turning himself in.
AP News - The court played surveillance video that prosecutors said showed Robinson on the rooftop where he allegedly fired a single bullet that hit Kirk in the neck.
AP News - Kirk's family expressed gratitude for the support and prayers offered to them, stating that the preliminary hearing "marks an important step forward in the pursuit of justice for Charlie."
AP News - The weeklong preliminary hearing attracted intense media coverage and spectators who have angled for one of the 14 seats in the courtroom that are reserved for the public.
IJR - Newly released testimony and evidence presented during a preliminary hearing provide the most detailed account yet of the prosecution's case against Tyler Robinson.
Fox News - Twiggs said he identified as "Luna" to some associates, including Robinson.
Fox News - Twiggs was briefly placed under FBI protection and has since left the state.
ABC News - One of Robinson's attorneys, Michael Burt, stated, “Saying anything but inconclusive was inappropriate,” regarding the reliability of ballistics tests on a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body.
ABC News - Prosecutors presented a recorded interview with Twiggs, who said Robinson expressed remorse for the shooting before turning himself in.
ABC News - The defense plans to call a final witness during the preliminary hearing.
AP News - Prosecutors contend the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event, which could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.
AP News - The court played surveillance video that prosecutors said showed Robinson on the rooftop where he allegedly fired a single bullet that hit Kirk in the neck.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson texted him about looking under his keyboard, where he found a note allegedly stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it."
Fox News - Twiggs described Robinson's alleged movements on the day of the shooting, stating he left early for a "long drive to work" and lingered in the area until after midnight on the following day.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson had said he was planning to go hunting with his family and asked if they had a Dremel tool to create messages on bullets.
Fox News - Twiggs said he warned Robinson not to accidentally discharge a bullet while engraving.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson began engraving bullets roughly a month before the shooting.
ABC News - One of Robinson's attorneys, Michael Burt, stated, “Saying anything but inconclusive was inappropriate,” regarding the reliability of ballistics tests on a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body.
AP News - Prosecutors presented a recorded interview with Twiggs, who said Robinson expressed remorse for the shooting before turning himself in.
Fox News - Twiggs described that Robinson had said he was planning to go hunting with his family and asked if they had a Dremel tool to create messages on bullets.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson allegedly texted him, “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet,” after the shooting.
Fox News - Twiggs said Robinson allegedly replied, “I am,” when asked if he was the one who did it.
ABC News - A decision from Judge Tony Graf regarding whether to proceed to trial will be made after September 1, when he scheduled oral arguments in the matter.
Fox News - The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson is a procedural step to determine if the case can go to trial.
Fox News - Judge Tony Graf indicated he would not make a decision at the end of the preliminary hearing but would allow briefs to be filed before the September 1 hearing.
ABC News - Robinson's attorney, Michael Burt, challenged the reliability of ballistics tests on a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body, stating that the results were inconclusive.
ABC News - Robinson allegedly posted “it was me at UVU yesterday” in a chat room on the Discord social media platform shortly before turning himself in.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson began engraving bullets roughly a month before the shooting, asking if they had a Dremel tool to create messages on bullets.
Fox News - Prosecutors indicated that cartridges and a spent casing recovered from the suspected murder weapon had been engraved with messages, and a similar casing was found at Robinson and Twiggs' shared home.
ABC News - Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the killing of Charlie Kirk.
ABC News - Kirk was killed while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University.
ABC News - Robinson allegedly told Twiggs, “he wishes he hadn’t done it,” after the shooting.
Fox News - A note allegedly found by Twiggs stated, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it."
Fox News - Robinson allegedly took credit for the shooting in a conversation with Twiggs.
ABC News - One of Robinson's attorneys, Michael Burt, stated, “Saying anything but inconclusive was inappropriate,” regarding the reliability of ballistics tests on a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body.
AP News - Prosecutors presented a recorded interview with Twiggs, who said Robinson expressed remorse for the shooting before turning himself in.
AP News - The court played surveillance video that prosecutors said showed Robinson on the rooftop where he allegedly fired a single bullet that hit Kirk in the neck.
Fox News - Twiggs described that Robinson had said he was planning to go hunting with his family and asked if they had a Dremel tool to create messages on bullets.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson allegedly texted him, “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet,” after the shooting.
Fox News - Twiggs said Robinson allegedly replied, “I am,” when asked if he was the one who did it.
ABC News - Robinson's defense plans to call a final witness during the preliminary hearing on Friday.
ABC News - A decision from state District Judge Tony Graf regarding whether to proceed to trial will be made after September 1, when he scheduled oral arguments in the matter.
Fox News - Prosecutors aired portions of a recorded interview with Robinson's roommate, Lance Twiggs, during the preliminary hearing.
Fox News - Twiggs stated in a video interview that Robinson "wishes he hadn't done it" after the shooting.
Fox News - Twiggs described Robinson's alleged movements on the day of the shooting, stating he left early for a "long drive to work" and lingered in the area until after midnight on the following day.
Fox News - Twiggs said he identified as "Luna" to some associates, including Robinson.
Fox News - Twiggs was briefly placed under FBI protection and has since left the state.
Fox News - Twiggs alleged that Robinson began engraving bullets roughly a month before the shooting.
Fox News - Twiggs said he warned Robinson not to accidentally discharge a bullet while engraving.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson texted him about looking under his keyboard, where he found a note allegedly stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it."
ABC News - Robinson's defense plans to call a final witness during the preliminary hearing.
ABC News - A decision from Judge Tony Graf regarding whether to proceed to trial will be made after September 1.
Fox News - The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson is a procedural step to determine if the case can go to trial.
Fox News - Judge Tony Graf indicated he would not make a decision at the end of the preliminary hearing but would allow briefs to be filed before the September 1 hearing.
ABC News - Robinson's attorney, Michael Burt, challenged the reliability of ballistics tests on a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body, stating that the results were inconclusive.
ABC News - Robinson allegedly posted “it was me at UVU yesterday” in a chat room on the Discord social media platform shortly before turning himself in.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson began engraving bullets roughly a month before the shooting, asking if they had a Dremel tool to create messages on bullets.
Fox News - Prosecutors indicated that cartridges and a spent casing recovered from the suspected murder weapon had been engraved with messages, and a similar casing was found at Robinson and Twiggs' shared home.
Fox News - Twiggs described Robinson's movements on the day of the shooting, stating he left early for a "long drive to work" and lingered in the area until after midnight on the following day.
ABC News - Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the killing of Charlie Kirk.
ABC News - Kirk was killed while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University.
ABC News - Robinson allegedly told Twiggs, “he wishes he hadn’t done it,” after the shooting.
Fox News - A note allegedly found by Twiggs stated, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it."
Fox News - Robinson allegedly took credit for the shooting in a conversation with Twiggs.
WHERE:
ABC News - The shooting occurred at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Fox News - Items were displayed in a makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk outside the headquarters of Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Arizona.
ABC News - The shooting occurred at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Fox News - Items were displayed in a makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk outside the headquarters of Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Arizona.
WHEN:
AP News - Closing arguments in Robinson’s preliminary hearing are scheduled for September 1.
ABC News - A decision from Judge Tony Graf regarding whether to proceed to trial will be made after September 1, when he scheduled oral arguments in the matter.
AP News - Closing arguments in Robinson’s preliminary hearing are scheduled for September 1.
ABC News - A decision from Judge Tony Graf regarding the trial will come after September 1, when he scheduled oral arguments in the matter.
ABC News - Charlie Kirk was killed on September 10.
ABC News - A decision from Judge Tony Graf regarding the trial will come after September 1.
Fox News - The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson took place on July 9, 2026.
AP News - Closing arguments in Robinson’s preliminary hearing are scheduled for September 1.
ABC News - A decision from Judge Tony Graf regarding the trial will come after September 1, when he scheduled oral arguments in the matter.
ABC News - Charlie Kirk was killed on September 10.
ABC News - A decision from Judge Tony Graf regarding the trial will come after September 1.
Fox News - The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson took place on July 9, 2026.
WHY:
AP News - Prosecutors allege that Robinson targeted Kirk because of his political views.
AP News - Prosecutors contend that the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event, which could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.
ABC News - Prosecutors contend the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event, which could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.
ABC News - Prosecutors allege that Robinson targeted Kirk because of his political views.
ABC News - The shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event, which could lead to a death penalty under Utah law.
AP News - Prosecutors contend that the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event, which could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.
ABC News - Prosecutors contend the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event, which could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.
ABC News - Prosecutors allege that Robinson targeted Kirk because of his political views.
ABC News - The shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event, which could lead to a death penalty under Utah law.
HOW:
Fox News - Twiggs described Robinson's alleged actions and conversations leading up to the shooting, including discussions about a Dremel tool for engraving bullets.
Fox News - Twiggs described Robinson's alleged movements on the day of the shooting, stating he left early for a "long drive to work" and lingered in the area until after midnight on the following day.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson had said he was planning to go hunting with his family and asked if they had a Dremel tool to create messages on bullets.
Fox News - Twiggs received a text message from Robinson instructing him to look under his keyboard, where he found a note allegedly stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it."
ABC News - The defense is challenging the reliability of ballistics tests and DNA evidence linking Robinson to the scene.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson began engraving bullets roughly a month before the shooting.
Fox News - Twiggs described Robinson's alleged actions and conversations leading up to the shooting, including discussions about a Dremel tool for engraving bullets.
Fox News - Twiggs described Robinson's alleged movements on the day of the shooting, stating he left early for a "long drive to work" and lingered in the area until after midnight on the following day.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson had said he was planning to go hunting with his family and asked if they had a Dremel tool to create messages on bullets.
Fox News - Twiggs received a text message from Robinson instructing him to look under his keyboard, where he found a note allegedly stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it."
ABC News - The defense is challenging the reliability of ballistics tests and DNA evidence linking Robinson to the scene.
Fox News - Twiggs stated that Robinson began engraving bullets roughly a month before the shooting.
(UPDATED July 11, 2026 05:49 UTC)
In a preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented evidence including surveillance video that allegedly shows Tyler Robinson on a rooftop where he fired a bullet that struck Charlie Kirk in the neck, an act they argue endangered others and could be punishable by death under Utah law. Robinson's attorney, Michael Burt, criticized the reliability of ballistics tests on a bullet fragment found at the scene, while Twiggs, a witness, revealed that Robinson expressed remorse for the shooting and had been engraving bullets prior to the incident. A decision from Judge Tony Graf on whether to proceed to trial is expected after September 1, following scheduled oral arguments, as Kirk's family expressed gratitude for the support they have received during this difficult time.
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(UPDATED July 11, 2026 02:51 UTC)
During a preliminary hearing, one of Robinson's attorneys questioned the reliability of DNA evidence linking him to the scene, while the defense plans to call a final witness. Prosecutors presented a recorded interview where Twiggs claimed Robinson expressed remorse for the shooting and showed surveillance video that allegedly captured Robinson on the rooftop where he fired the bullet that hit Kirk. Kirk's family expressed gratitude for the support they have received, stating that this hearing marks an important step forward in their pursuit of justice for Charlie.
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(UPDATED July 11, 2026 01:22 UTC)
In a significant development in the case against Robinson, one of his attorneys stated that calling the ballistics tests inconclusive was inappropriate, as prosecutors presented evidence including a recorded interview where Robinson expressed remorse for the shooting before turning himself in. Prosecutors argue that the shooting endangered others at Kirk's campus event, potentially making it punishable by death under Utah law, and they played surveillance video showing Robinson on the rooftop where he allegedly fired the shot that struck Kirk in the neck. Closing arguments in Robinson’s preliminary hearing are set for September 1, after which Judge Tony Graf will decide whether the case will proceed to trial.
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(UPDATED July 10, 2026 23:18 UTC)
In a significant development, one of Tyler Robinson's attorneys, Michael Burt, has raised concerns about the reliability of ballistics tests on a bullet fragment found in the body of Charlie Kirk, stating that the results were inconclusive. Prosecutors presented evidence during the preliminary hearing, including a recorded interview where Twiggs testified that Robinson expressed remorse for the shooting and had even texted him after the incident, saying, “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet.” A decision from Judge Tony Graf on whether the case will proceed to trial is expected after September 1, when he has scheduled oral arguments.
--
(UPDATED July 10, 2026 22:21 UTC)
In a significant development in the case against Robinson, one of his attorneys, Michael Burt, stated that calling the ballistics tests on a bullet fragment from Kirk's body anything but inconclusive was inappropriate. During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented a recorded interview where Twiggs revealed that Robinson expressed remorse for the shooting and played surveillance video allegedly showing Robinson on the rooftop from which he fired the bullet that struck Kirk in the neck. Closing arguments in Robinson’s preliminary hearing are set for September 1, as prosecutors argue that the shooting endangered others at Kirk's campus event, potentially making the crime punishable by death under Utah law.
--
(UPDATED July 10, 2026 21:19 UTC)
During the preliminary hearing, Robinson's defense plans to call a final witness on Friday, while prosecutors presented parts of a recorded interview with Robinson's roommate, Lance Twiggs, who revealed that Robinson "wishes he hadn't done it" after the shooting. Twiggs detailed Robinson's movements on the day of the incident, noting he left early for a long drive to work and remained in the area until after midnight, and he also claimed that Robinson had been engraving bullets about a month prior. A decision from state District Judge Tony Graf on whether to proceed to trial will follow oral arguments scheduled for after September 1.
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(UPDATED July 10, 2026 14:50 UTC)
In the ongoing preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, his defense plans to call a final witness, while Judge Tony Graf has stated that a decision on whether to proceed to trial will be made after September 1. During the hearing, Twiggs detailed Robinson's alleged movements on the day of the shooting, noting that he left early for a long drive to work and remained in the area until after midnight the following day. Additionally, Twiggs mentioned that Robinson had expressed plans to go hunting with his family and inquired about having a Dremel tool to engrave messages on bullets.
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(UPDATED July 10, 2026 08:09 UTC)
In a significant development in the ongoing case, Robinson's attorney, Michael Burt, has challenged the reliability of ballistics tests on a bullet fragment found in Kirk’s body, claiming the results were inconclusive. Shortly before turning himself in, Robinson allegedly posted in a Discord chat room, “it was me at UVU yesterday,” while prosecutors noted that engraved cartridges and a spent casing were recovered from the suspected murder weapon, with a similar casing found at Robinson and Twiggs' shared home. Judge Tony Graf is expected to make a decision regarding the trial after September 1, when he has scheduled oral arguments on the matter.
--
(UPDATED July 10, 2026 06:19 UTC)
Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder in the killing of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Trump, who was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. Following the incident, Robinson allegedly expressed regret to his former roommate and reported romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, and a note found by Twiggs indicated a premeditated intent to target Kirk. The preliminary hearing for Robinson took place on July 9, 2026, and prosecutors allege that the shooting was motivated by Kirk's political views, which could lead to a death penalty under Utah law.