Prosecutors show video of suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting after surrender
11 reported2 unconfirmed
Prosecutors in Utah played a video clip in court Wednesday showing Tyler Robinson, the defendant in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, after he turned himself in. The video, played during a preliminary hearing, showed Robinson standing in a room at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office wearing a T-shirt and baseball cap, with no audio. An investigator said he spoke to Robinson that night to get his name and date of birth. Much of Wednesday’s hearing was consumed by arguments over whether prosecutors can play a recorded law enforcement interview with Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs. State District Judge Tony Graf indicated he would allow prosecutors to play redacted audio of those statements Thursday. The judge will decide after the hearing if prosecutors have enough evidence to bring Robinson to trial on an aggravated murder charge in Kirk’s Sept. 10 shooting on the campus of Utah Valley University. Robinson has not yet entered a plea, and his attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.
What’s reported
Prosecutors played a video clip of Tyler Robinson after he turned himself in, showing him at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
The video had no audio; an investigator said he spoke to Robinson that night to get his name and date of birth.
Much of Wednesday’s hearing focused on whether prosecutors can play a recorded interview with Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs.
Judge Tony Graf indicated he would allow redacted audio of Twiggs’ statements to be played Thursday.
The judge will decide after the hearing if there is enough evidence to bring Robinson to trial for aggravated murder in Kirk’s Sept. 10 shooting at Utah Valley University.
Robinson has not entered a plea; his attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.
Prosecutors allege Robinson sent a text to Twiggs saying he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.”
Investigators found a towel and a bolt-action rifle with one spent round in a wooded area near where Kirk was shot.
DNA on the towel matched to two people: Twiggs and very likely Robinson, according to testimony.
Prosecutors allege Robinson confessed in a note left for Twiggs that read: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Investigators say Robinson shot Kirk once through the neck from a rooftop as Kirk was taking questions from a crowd.
Open questions
Whether the judge will rule there is enough evidence to bring Robinson to trial.
Whether Twiggs’ statements will be broadcast by media outlets, as defense lawyers expressed concern about a fair trial.
Key figures
Tyler Robinson – defendant in the killing of Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk – conservative activist killed on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University
Lance Twiggs – Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner
Judge Tony Graf – state district judge presiding over the preliminary hearing
Jeffrey Neiman – attorney for Kirk’s family
Brian Davis – State Bureau of Investigation agent
Michael Burt – defense lawyer
Lawrence Quarino – forensics expert and professor at Cedar Crest College
Amanda Bakker – FBI analyst
Jennifer Faumuina – State Bureau of Investigation analyst
Richard Novak – defense attorney
Sources: abcnews.com
