The preliminary hearing for the man charged in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is continuing, with defense attorneys focusing on disputing the reliability of DNA evidence. Prosecutors allege the DNA links the defendant, Tyler Robinson, to a rifle found near the scene.
Robinson, 23, faces an aggravated murder charge in Kirk's Sept. 10 death on the Utah Valley University campus. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, though Robinson has not yet entered a plea, and his attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.
During the weeklong hearing, defense lawyer Michael Burt questioned an FBI DNA analyst regarding the techniques used to connect Robinson to the rifle. The weapon, along with a towel, was discovered in a wooded area near where Kirk was shot.
FBI analyst Amanda Bakker testified that after rerunning tests with a DNA sample from Robinson's roommate, Lance Twiggs, she attributed the DNA found on the towel to two individuals: Twiggs and, with high probability, Robinson. Jennifer Faumuina, of the State Bureau of Investigation, also testified that DNA on the towel matched Twiggs and likely Robinson.
However, Burt argued that the analyst could not definitively match Robinson to the samples in question. Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride countered that the DNA testing's reliability could be further examined during a trial, suggesting the preliminary hearing was not the appropriate venue to fully debate the matter.
In a separate line of questioning, defense attorney Richard Novak attempted to block the introduction of a statement describing the values of Turning Point USA, an organization founded by Charlie Kirk. Novak argued the statement did not reflect Robinson's state of mind. The judge ruled the statement was relevant and would be provisionally admitted.
State District Judge Tony Graf is presiding over the hearing and will ultimately decide if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Experts suggest this is a likely outcome.