Inside digital evidence presented during preliminary hearing in Tyler Robinson trial
In a dramatic turn at the Charlie Kirk assassination proceedings, Tyler Robinson’s former roommate delivered a bombshell. During a preliminary hearing in Provo, Utah, Lance Twiggs, who has been granted immunity, testified that Robinson confessed to the crime both via text and in person, expressing regret over the act.
Utah’s legal team is tightening its grip on Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk. Prosecutors insist that the amassed evidence sufficiently supports moving forward to a full trial.
In the aftermath of a five-day preliminary hearing earlier this month, the prosecution wasted no time. On Tuesday, they submitted the first of three persuasive written briefs to Judge Tony Graf. Their mission? To convincingly argue that the mountain of evidence clearly establishes probable cause for all charges against Robinson, clearing the path for the case to proceed to trial.
“For Judge Graf, this might be one of the more straightforward decisions regarding bindover,” the prosecutors stated. They highlighted that Robinson allegedly admitted to several companions, such as his roommate and romantic partner, that he executed the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. This shocking event unfolded before approximately 3,000 onlookers, and Robinson subsequently turned himself in to law enforcement.
Prosecutors maintain that Robinson’s alleged confessions are merely one aspect of the extensive case they have constructed against him.
Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is seen in court in his first in-person court appearance on Dec. 11, 2025. (Pool/KSL-TV)
“These admissions, along with others, establish probable cause to support most of the elements of the charges,” prosecutors wrote.
“DNA testing, surveillance video, and eyewitness testimony buttress those elements and demonstrate probable cause to support the remaining elements. The Court should bind Defendant for trial over on all counts,” they continued.
Alleged texts between Lance Twiggs and Tyler Robinson were shared in court. (Fox News; Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
According to the filing, Robinson allegedly confessed to former roommate and romantic partner Lance Twiggs, writing, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.”
Prosecutors say Robinson also admitted planning the assassination for “a bit over a week,” discussed trying to retrieve the rifle after the shooting and later wrote, “I’m going to turn myself in willingly.”
Judge Tony Graf in 4th District Court in Provo on Friday, April 17, 2026, during a hearing for Tyler Robinson, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
The 28-page memorandum repeatedly points to evidence introduced during the preliminary hearing, including surveillance video investigators say tracked Robinson across Utah Valley University before and after the shooting, DNA recovered from the suspected murder weapon, a fired cartridge casing, a towel and screwdriver, and eyewitness testimony placing the alleged gunman on the rooftop overlooking Kirk’s event.
Prosecutors argue the evidence leaves little doubt that Robinson should be bound over for trial on all seven counts.
Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his “American Comeback Tour” when he was shot in the neck and killed. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)
Prosecutors also argue Robinson planned the assassination for more than a week, intentionally targeted Kirk and knowingly endangered numerous bystanders by firing a high-powered rifle into a crowd gathered to hear the conservative activist speak. Prosecutors argue the evidence easily clears Utah’s probable-cause standard at this stage of the case.
Judge Graf requested written arguments after concluding the five-day preliminary hearing earlier this month rather than immediately making a ruling.
The defense is expected to file its written opposition in the coming weeks, followed by a final response from prosecutors before oral arguments are scheduled for Sept. 1.
Robinson, 23, has not yet entered a plea. He faces aggravated murder and six additional felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from Kirk’s killing.
If Judge Graf finds probable cause, Robinson will be bound over for trial. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty on the aggravated murder charge.