DNA Evidence Presented in Tyler Robinson’s Murder Hearing

DNA linked to Tyler Robinson, who stands accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was discovered on items near Utah Valley University. This includes a towel that was wrapped around what is believed to be the murder weapon, according to forensic investigator and FBI analyst Amanda Bakker.

During the second day of the preliminary hearing, Sergeant Jennifer Faumuina from the Utah Department of Public Safety testified. She highlighted the collection and management of crucial evidence, detailing the physical traces left at the crime scene.

• Evidence Collection: Faumuina explained how investigators processed significant items, including a Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle found wrapped in a black towel in a wooded area close to the Utah Valley campus, and a screwdriver discovered on a rooftop near the Rothesay Student Success Center.

• Evidence Handling: She elaborated on the proper documentation, packaging, and transportation of the rifle, towel, and screwdriver to FBI and ATF laboratories for further analysis.

• DNA Findings: Faumuina announced initial forensic findings, revealing that the DNA found on the towel and screwdriver belonged to at least two individuals. One was identified as Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s roommate, while the other was presumably Robinson himself.

Her testimony linked the collection of evidence to the more detailed DNA analysis later provided by Bakker.

Bakker clarified that Twiggs’ DNA was used only for exclusion and that he hasn’t faced any charges. She confirmed that Robinson’s DNA was present on the screwdriver from the Rothesay Center, where the fatal shot allegedly originated, along with the towel.

In cross-examination, Robinson’s attorney, Michael Burt, challenged Bakker on the testing accuracy and potential sample degradation. However, Bakker maintained that the DNA results indicated a strong probability linking the two individuals.

The first day of the preliminary hearings saw prosecutors present various videos from the September 10, 2025 shooting, including some graphic footage not available to the public. Judge Tony Graf visibly reacted while viewing the evidence, which prosecutors claim shows Robinson wrapping his grandfather’s rifle in a towel and disposing of it nearby.

As the hearings progress, the prosecution aims to evaluate Twiggs’ video testimony. Allegedly, Robinson confessed to the shooting in a handwritten note directed at Twiggs.

Twiggs, who is not a suspect and has cooperated with law enforcement, had his DNA found in the evidence, forming a central part of the defense’s attempt to introduce reasonable doubt. The defense claims that the high proportion of Twiggs’ DNA—making up 89% on the towel and 95% on the screwdriver—could imply he was last to touch these items. They emphasize that DNA doesn’t conclusively prove the timing or last user of the items.

This forensic element has led to a contentious legal battle, as the defense attempted, though unsuccessfully, to secure testimony from Twiggs, while the prosecution argued that shared living situations could explain the DNA transfer. Robinson, who is charged with murder, has yet to plead and could face the death penalty if found guilty.