Lance Twiggs, the former lover and roommate of Tyler Robinson, testified that Robinson confessed to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on at least three occasions. These alleged admissions included a tearful conversation the day after Kirk’s death and numerous text messages, according to a pre-recorded deposition shown in court Thursday.
Twiggs, who was granted limited immunity for his testimony, told investigators that Robinson appeared distraught on September 11, 2025, the day after Kirk was found fatally shot at Utah Valley University. During their conversation, Robinson allegedly stated he "wishes he hadn’t done it" and indicated an intention to turn himself in.
"I just asked him in person if what he said was true the night before, and he said it was… started crying a little bit, and said he wishes he hadn’t done it," Twiggs said during the recorded interview. He added that Robinson eventually said he would speak with his parents or surrender to authorities.
Prosecutors presented text messages, Discord messages, and a handwritten note allegedly from Robinson as evidence during a preliminary hearing. In one text exchange, Robinson allegedly instructed Twiggs to "drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard." When Twiggs responded with disbelief, Robinson reportedly wrote, "F*** I TRIED TO DELETE THAT." Other messages showed Robinson searching for his rifle and a subsequent admission: "to be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you." When Twiggs asked if he was responsible, Robinson allegedly replied, "I am, I’m sorry."
Twiggs, 22, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, lived with Robinson in St. George, Utah, approximately three hours from Utah Valley University where Kirk was killed. Robinson, now 23, faces the death penalty if convicted. He has not yet entered a plea.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, advocated for the public release of Twiggs' interview, arguing it would help counter what she described as "noxious conspiracy theories" surrounding her husband's death. Attorneys for the Kirk family supported prosecutors in urging the court to allow the evidence, including video and text messages, to be shown in full.
Prosecutors also presented video footage allegedly showing Robinson's movements at Utah Valley University on the day of the shooting. FBI analysis presented in court claims to link Robinson to DNA found on a towel used to conceal the rifle. Investigators also testified that DNA likely matching both Robinson and Twiggs was discovered on a screwdriver found near where the fatal shot was allegedly taken.
Twiggs testified that he did not recall Robinson specifically mentioning Charlie Kirk before the incident. He did recall Robinson asking about a Dremel tool about a month prior to Kirk's death, stating he wanted to "engrave messages on bullets" for hunting. The defense had sought to prevent the media from broadcasting the video and text messages, citing potential violations of Robinson's rights and jury pool prejudice.