PROVO, Utah — New forensic testimony presented in a Utah courtroom this week has introduced significant evidence in the prosecution's case against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a campus event last year. The testimony, delivered during the second day of Robinson's preliminary hearing in Provo, outlined evidence prosecutors contend connects Robinson and his romantic partner, Twiggs, to key items recovered during the investigation.
The incident in question occurred on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was speaking at a Turning Point USA event. Prosecutors allege that Kirk was fatally shot while delivering remarks, prompting a widespread investigation that led to Robinson's arrest. The ongoing preliminary hearing is a critical phase designed to determine whether sufficient evidence exists for Robinson to stand trial, not to establish guilt or innocence.
Jennifer Faumina, a sergeant with the Utah Department of Public Safety assigned to the State Bureau of Investigation at the time of the shooting, testified about DNA analysis performed on evidence collected from the scene. According to Faumina, DNA belonging to Twiggs was identified on two crucial pieces of evidence. One item was a screwdriver discovered on the rooftop of the Losee Center for Student Success, which prosecutors allege was the vantage point from which the fatal shot was fired. The second piece of evidence was a towel wrapped around the rifle investigators believe was used in the shooting. Faumina testified that DNA recovered from both items was consistent with two contributors, one of whom was Twiggs.
Further corroborating this evidence, an FBI forensic analyst also testified that DNA evidence linked both Robinson and Twiggs to the towel recovered during the investigation, according to courtroom testimony. These findings suggest a direct connection between Twiggs and the implements allegedly used in the crime, positioning Twiggs as a central figure in the ongoing inquiry, despite not having been charged with any crime.
Robinson’s defense attorneys challenged the DNA evidence during the hearing. They questioned the reliability of the forensic testing methods and disputed the prosecution’s conclusions regarding the DNA analysis. The defense's efforts highlight a common strategy in high-stakes cases to scrutinize the scientific methodologies and interpretations presented by the prosecution.
Earlier in the preliminary hearing, Utah Valley University Police Officer Chris Bagley provided testimony that detailed the discovery of the screwdriver. Officer Bagley told the court he located the tool on the rooftop overlooking the area where Kirk had been speaking. He further testified that he observed impressions in the rooftop gravel resembling what he described as a "sniper’s pad," suggesting the marks appeared consistent with someone lying in a prone firing position. Prosecutors contend that this rooftop position provided a clear line of sight to Kirk’s location.
Surveillance video footage also forms a part of the prosecution’s case. Jurors heard testimony alleging that video tracked Robinson’s movements across the Utah Valley University campus before and after the shooting. Prosecutors claim video footage showed Robinson on top of the Losee Center and later captured his vehicle leaving the campus following the attack, aiming to establish a timeline and physical presence for the accused.
Twiggs, identified as Robinson's former roommate and romantic partner, has been a focal point of the investigation. Prosecutors have alleged that Robinson gave Twiggs a written confession after the shooting. The court is expected to hear a previously recorded statement from Twiggs later in the week as the preliminary hearing continues, which could provide further insights into the events surrounding Kirk's death and Twiggs's involvement.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea to the charges against him. He faces aggravated murder and multiple additional felony counts in connection with Kirk’s death. Prosecutors have indicated they are seeking the death penalty if Robinson is ultimately convicted, underscoring the gravity of the charges and the potential consequences. The preliminary hearing is crucial in determining whether the evidence presented is strong enough to proceed to a full trial, where guilt or innocence would be formally adjudicated. The proceedings continue to unfold, bringing new details to light in a case that has drawn national attention due to the prominence of the victim.
