The murder case against the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk took a dramatic turn this week as defense attorneys challenged the DNA evidence prosecutors say ties him to the murder weapon.
Lawyers for Tyler Robinson questioned FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker during a preliminary hearing, arguing that the DNA evidence linking Robinson to the bolt-action rifle used in the shooting is far from conclusive.
The rifle was discovered wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, where Kirk was fatally shot in September 2025.
Bakker testified that after obtaining a DNA sample from Robinson’s roommate, Lance Twiggs, she reran her analysis and concluded the DNA on the rifle belonged to Twiggs and “likely” Robinson.
The defense seized on that wording.
“She can’t match Mr. Robinson to the questioned samples,” defense attorney Michael Burt argued, suggesting the evidence falls short of directly identifying his client as the source of the DNA.
Prosecutors countered that any disputes over the forensic analysis are issues for a jury to weigh at trial, not grounds to dismiss the case. They are asking Judge Tony Graf to find sufficient evidence to send Robinson to trial on an aggravated murder charge while continuing to pursue the death penalty.
Jurors also heard testimony from former state investigator David Hull, who said surveillance and investigative evidence places Robinson at a nearby Chick-fil-A before he spoke with members of Turning Point USA. Hull testified that Robinson later returned to the university wearing different clothes shortly before the shooting.
Robinson has not entered a plea. His attorneys are expected to call forensic experts in an effort to undermine the state’s scientific evidence.
Less than two days after Kirk’s killing, Robinson surrendered to authorities with the assistance of his parents and a retired law enforcement officer.
The outcome of the preliminary hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial, where prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for the man accused of killing one of the nation’s most prominent conservative activists.