A Utah courtroom heard emotional new testimony this week as prosecutors presented fresh evidence against Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025.
The latest hearing offered a deeper look into Robinson’s alleged actions before and after the killing, including messages exchanged with his former roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs.
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder and several additional offenses but has not yet entered a plea.
The current proceedings are intended to determine whether enough evidence exists for the case to move forward to trial, where prosecutors could seek the death penalty.
Prosecutors Say Suspect Confessed Shortly After the Shooting
One of the most significant moments of the hearing came when prosecutors played a recorded interview with Lance Twiggs, who has been granted immunity in exchange for cooperating with investigators.
Twiggs told the court that Robinson admitted to carrying out the shooting through a series of text messages before later confirming it in person.
According to his testimony, Robinson became emotional after returning to their apartment, crying and saying he regretted what had happened.
Twiggs recalled that Robinson appeared distressed and tried to keep himself occupied while expressing that he wished he had not committed the crime.
Text Messages Detail Alleged Admission
Prosecutors also introduced text conversations exchanged on the day of the shooting.
According to evidence presented in court, Robinson instructed Twiggs to check beneath his keyboard, where he had left a handwritten note.
In the letter, prosecutors said Robinson claimed responsibility for killing Charlie Kirk and suggested he believed the act had been necessary.
When Twiggs directly asked by text whether he was responsible, Robinson allegedly replied that he was and apologized.
Prosecutors said Robinson later explained his motive by claiming he could no longer tolerate what he viewed as Kirk’s hateful views.
Investigators Reveal New Evidence
For the first time during the hearings, prosecutors displayed photographs of what investigators believe was the murder weapon—a bolt-action rifle—as well as engraved ammunition allegedly connected to the case.
Authorities said several cartridges recovered at both the crime scene and Robinson’s residence contained unusual inscriptions.
Messages reportedly engraved on ammunition found near the shooting included phrases mocking potential readers, while another cartridge discovered at Robinson’s home was marked “Test Shot.”
Investigators testified that Robinson had previously asked Twiggs for an engraving tool, explaining at the time that he wanted to personalize ammunition for a family hunting and camping trip.
Shooting Allegedly Targeted Charlie Kirk During Public Appearance
According to investigators, Charlie Kirk was addressing supporters at Utah Valley University when he was shot once in the neck.
The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and father of two was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
Prosecutors allege Robinson carried out the attack before attempting to avoid detection by changing clothes and hiding the rifle in nearby bushes.
Messages Describe Efforts to Avoid Detection
Additional text messages presented in court painted a detailed picture of Robinson’s movements after the shooting.
Prosecutors said Robinson told Twiggs he planned to retrieve the hidden rifle without attracting attention, believing that doing so would eliminate physical evidence connecting him to the crime.
The messages also described him waiting in his vehicle near the scene while monitoring police activity.
At one point, Robinson allegedly complained that noisy crickets and police dogs might interfere with his plan before eventually leaving the area and driving back toward southern Utah.
Roommate Describes Robinson’s Political Interests
During his interview, Twiggs told investigators that Robinson regularly listened to political talk radio while working as an electrician and frequently discussed President Donald Trump and political developments.
However, Twiggs said they rarely engaged in lengthy political conversations because he did not share Robinson’s enthusiasm for those topics.
He also testified that Charlie Kirk had never been the subject of their discussions before the shooting and that they had not debated LGBTQ-related issues.
Suspect Later Turned Himself In
Court testimony also confirmed that Robinson surrendered to authorities the day after the shooting.
According to investigators, he arrived at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office accompanied by his parents and a family friend, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Earlier in the week, prosecutors also presented FBI forensic evidence indicating that DNA linked to both Robinson and Twiggs was found on items recovered during the investigation, including a rifle, a screwdriver and a towel.
Defense attorneys challenged the reliability of that evidence during extensive cross-examination of forensic experts.
Families Watch Closely as Case Moves Forward
The emotionally charged proceedings have drawn family members from both sides into the courtroom.
Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, along with his parents, attended the hearings throughout the week. Donald Trump Jr. and his wife were also present during portions of the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Robinson’s parents and two brothers sat behind the defendant.
According to reports from inside the courtroom, Robinson’s mother became emotional and was seen crying as prosecutors read several of the alleged text messages aloud.
Judge Yet to Decide Whether Case Will Proceed to Trial
The preliminary hearing continues as prosecutors seek to convince the court that sufficient evidence exists to move the case toward trial.
Robinson has not yet formally responded to the charges, and the judge will ultimately decide whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the high-profile murder case to proceed, where Robinson could face the possibility of a capital trial if convicted.
