Preliminary Hearing for Tyler Robinson Begins
The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, commenced on Monday in a Provo, Utah courtroom.
Charlie Kirk’s family, including his parents and widow Erica, attended the first two days of the proceedings. Day three is set to start on Wednesday at 1 p.m. MDT. Up to this point, the hearing has primarily examined which evidence will be admitted and whether there is sufficient basis to move forward with a jury trial.
Here are some key developments from the hearings thus far:
1. Surveillance Video
Newly released surveillance footage has been introduced as evidence, showing Robinson on the Utah Valley University campus multiple times from September 10 to early September 11. The footage indicates Robinson scouted the area, acquired food, and returned with new clothes, during which he allegedly shot Kirk. He was spotted again around 12:30 a.m. on September 11.
The video captures Robinson wandering the campus, including the roof of the Rothesay Center, along with a vehicle believed to be his. During the defense’s questioning, there was discussion on whether Robinson carried anything when fleeing the roof after the shooting. Given the camera’s distance and the footage quality, it was challenging to determine if he had a rifle-like object in his possession.
2. DNA Evidence
Robinson’s defense is challenging FBI analyst Amanda Bakker during her testimony regarding the DNA samples. They aim to undermine the evidence implicating Robinson. Bakker confirmed that the DNA matched both Robinson and his roommate Lance Twiggs. Notably, 95% of the DNA from a towel wrapped around the firearm allegedly used in Kirk’s death belonged to Robinson, with Twiggs’ contributing just 5%. Similarly, when examining additional samples, Robinson’s DNA predominated.
Bakker pointed out that the DNA profiling method used is standard practice in criminal investigations. The defense attempted to suggest the significance of Twiggs’ DNA presence, but Bakker clarified that the overall findings favored Robinson.
3. Additional Bullets Found at the Scene
Unfired rifle ammunition was discovered in a separate building from where Robinson allegedly shot Kirk. An agent with the State Bureau of Investigation, David Hull, claimed this was “ammunition ejected from an officer using a rifle.” The scene wasn’t deemed relevant to the investigation and wasn’t preserved for evidence.
4. Tyler Robinson Seen Limping on Campus
Footage presented in court reportedly shows a man, identified by prosecutors as Tyler Robinson, limping across campus toward the Rothesay Center. Prosecutors argue this could indicate he had a hidden firearm. However, the identification of Robinson in this footage isn’t entirely conclusive.
5. Body Camera Issues
Chris Bagley, the first officer on the Rothesay Center roof after the shooting, testified that his body camera malfunctioned right as he arrived, saying, “I think the battery died at that exact moment.” When asked about recharging it, he noted the chaotic circumstances prevented him from doing so, confirming that the moment on the roof was his only footage from that day.
6. Judge’s Reaction
The judge overseeing the hearing visibly flinched upon viewing footage of Kirk’s shooting. The graphic nature of this video means it will not be shared in court or with the media.
The hearing is set to continue throughout this week, concluding on Friday. The defense has remaining days to argue against the case proceeding to trial, while prosecutors maintain that there is sufficient probable cause to warrant a jury trial related to the crimes Robinson is charged with.
