Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September, contested the reliability of DNA evidence during a preliminary hearing Tuesday. Prosecutors allege Robinson used a bolt-action rifle to kill Kirk during a public address, and they played surveillance footage showing a man resembling Robinson moving on campus shortly before the shooting. FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker testified that DNA from the towel-wrapped rifle belonged to two individuals—Lance Twiggs, Robinson's roommate, and someone she described as "very likely" Robinson. Defense attorney Michael Burt argued the analysis could not conclusively tie Robinson to the weapon.
Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride maintained that evidentiary disputes are for trial, not the preliminary stage, where the threshold is whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed. Agent David Hull of the Utah State Bureau of Investigation said video showed the suspect climbing onto a rooftop, crouching near Kirk's location, then fleeing after the shot. Hull confirmed the rifle found nearby contained one spent cartridge. Another bullet recovered on campus was traced to a law enforcement officer who had cleared a firearm, not the suspect. Robinson's attorneys, including Kathryn Nester and Richard Novak, challenged crime scene procedures and argued against introducing statements about Turning Point USA's political and religious values as proof of motive.
Prosecutors claim Robinson left a note for Twiggs stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it," and sent a text citing Kirk's "hatred" as motivation. They are seeking the death penalty, citing both the risk to others at the event and the alleged political nature of the attack. Judge Tony Graf will determine whether the evidence meets the standard for trial. Robinson has not entered a plea. The prosecution must demonstrate a sufficient connection between Robinson and the crime scene for the case to advance.
The defense's focus on DNA uncertainty exposes the fragility of forensic certainty when only partial matches are presented. Robinson's alleged note and text offer a direct narrative of intent, yet the challenge to forensic interpretation shifts attention from motive to method. No African or Nigerian connection is indicated in the proceedings. The outcome hinges on whether circumstantial and genetic evidence together meet the threshold for prosecution.
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