Tyler Robinson's DNA and that of his former roommate, Lance Twiggs, were both found on a towel used to conceal a rifle and a screwdriver recovered near where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot, according to testimony during Robinson's preliminary hearing.
Robinson, 23, is accused of shooting Kirk, 31, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. Prosecutors say Robinson used the towel to hide a retrofitted Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle in woods near campus. The screwdriver was found on the Losee Center rooftop, where investigators believe the shot was fired.
State Bureau of Investigations Sergeant Jennifer Faumuina testified that Robinson's DNA profile appeared on both items. However, DNA analysis also showed Twiggs contributed to the mixed samples on both pieces of evidence, with Robinson identified as the majority contributor and Twiggs the minority contributor.
Twiggs, who was Robinson's roommate and alleged lover at the time, provided a DNA sample to law enforcement. He is cooperating with investigators and has not been charged.
FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker testified about the DNA analysis, explaining the distinction between majority and minority contributors. Defense attorney Michael Burt questioned Bakker extensively on DNA marker analysis methodology, pushing back on interpretations of the mixed samples. Judge Tony Graf Jr. eventually limited the questioning.
Surveillance video showed Robinson moving around campus before and after the shooting and entering and leaving his Dodge Challenger. Handwritten notes and text messages that prosecutors say contain Robinson's confession to Twiggs were also presented as evidence.
The preliminary hearing is expected to continue throughout the week. Probable cause hearings require a lower legal standard than the "beyond reasonable doubt" threshold needed for conviction, but experts have suggested prosecutors will clear that bar without difficulty.
Robinson's parents, Matt and Amber Robinson, attended the hearing. Kirk's widow, Erika, also sat in the gallery. Robinson was noted as fidgeting while technical details of the charges accumulated.
