DNA samples believed to match Tyler Robinson and his partner Lance Twiggs were found on a towel wrapped around a rifle and a screwdriver near the scene of Charlie Kirk's assassination, forensic experts testified Tuesday. The evidence was presented during the second day of a hearing to determine if Robinson will stand trial for the shooting.
Two experts, one from the state of Utah and another from the FBI, confirmed the lab reports in a Provo courtroom. The DNA samples, taken from a towel Robinson allegedly used to hide the rifle and a screwdriver found on the roof near Utah Valley University, showed a high probability of matching both Robinson and Twiggs, according to the results.
Twiggs, 22, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing, was Robinson's roommate and partner in St. George, Utah, located approximately three hours from the university campus. Prosecutors allege that Robinson admitted to shooting Kirk via text message and left a note detailing his plan under Twiggs' computer keyboard.
Prosecutors claim Robinson wrapped his grandfather's rifle in a towel after the shooting and discarded it in a wooded area near campus. Video clips were played in court allegedly showing Robinson on campus the morning of the assassination, where he interacted with Turning Point USA members and had lunch.
Robinson's defense attorneys questioned the accuracy of the DNA tests and the condition of the samples. They also sought to prevent the display of videos of Kirk's death and Robinson's movements, arguing they could prejudice potential jurors. The defense has also attempted to exclude media cameras from the courtroom, but the judge has permitted them, with restrictions on graphic content.
Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, was present in the courtroom. Donald Trump Jr. and Jack Posobiec were also in attendance. Robinson faces the death penalty if convicted.