Tyler Robinson Preliminary Hearing Transcript (Day 4 Part 1) (10/9/26)
Day four of Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing, held July 9, centered on some of the prosecution’s most consequential evidence yet, including a recorded interview with Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs. In the interview, Twiggs described Robinson’s behavior after Charlie Kirk was killed and authenticated text exchanges in which Robinson allegedly admitted responsibility for the shooting, discussed the rifle and expressed concern that investigators would find his DNA on it. Twiggs also said Robinson later confirmed the confession in person and expressed regret about what he had done. Prosecutors additionally introduced Robinson’s handwritten note to Twiggs, which allegedly said that he had an opportunity to “take out Charlie Kirk” and took it, although Judge Tony Graf quickly ordered the image removed after it was inadvertently displayed publicly. Twiggs also identified Robinson in surveillance images with varying degrees of certainty, telling investigators that some of the later photographs definitely appeared to show him. The state also spent a significant portion of the day strengthening the forensic connection between Robinson and the physical evidence. Investigators testified that Robinson’s DNA was found on numerous portions of the rifle recovered near Utah Valley University, including the stock, grips, trigger area, bolt and barrel, as well as on ammunition associated with the weapon. An ATF analysis also linked a rotary engraving tool recovered from Robinson’s residence to markings found on cartridge cases, supporting the prosecution’s allegation that ammunition had been engraved before the shooting. At the same time, the forensic evidence was not absolute across the board: investigators could not conclusively determine that the bullet-jacket fragment recovered during Kirk’s autopsy had been fired from the recovered rifle. By the end of the fourth day, however, prosecutors had combined Robinson’s alleged admissions, Twiggs’ account, the handwritten note, surveillance evidence and extensive DNA testimony into their clearest presentation yet of why they believe Robinson was the shooter. to contact me: [email protected]