Prosecutors Reveal New Evidence in Charlie Kirk Murder Case Hearing
Utah prosecutors laid out new evidence Monday against Tyler Robinson, the man charged in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, during the first day of a five-day preliminary hearing in Provo. Prosecutors say the evidence includes DNA linked to the alleged murder weapon, a handwritten note and rooftop testimony from a former campus officer.
The hearing marks the most significant presentation of evidence in the case to date and will determine whether Robinson, 23, stands trial on aggravated murder charges. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, and Kirk’s widow and parents attended the proceeding for the first time alongside Robinson’s family.
A ‘Sniper Pad’ on a Nearby Roof
Former Utah Valley University police officer Chris Bagley testified that he traced the apparent line of sight from the stage where Kirk was speaking to a nearby rooftop. There, he said, he found impressions in loose gravel consistent with someone lying in a prone firing position. “It looks like a sniper pad,” Bagley told the court, adding that he saw markings consistent with elbows, knees and feet.
Prosecutors allege Robinson fired a single shot from that rooftop on Sept. 10, 2025, as Kirk addressed a crowd of thousands at a Turning Point USA event. A medical examiner’s report presented in court classified Kirk’s death as a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the neck, according to court filings.
DNA and an Alleged Note
Authorities have said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle prosecutors say was used in the shooting, on a fired cartridge casing, on two unfired cartridges and on a towel allegedly used to wrap the weapon. Prosecutors also presented a note they say Robinson left for his roommate, who was also his romantic partner, in which he allegedly referenced being “fed up with his hatred” toward Kirk in a related text message.
Robinson’s roommate was granted limited use immunity in exchange for testimony about the alleged messages, prosecutors said. Robinson has not entered a plea, and his attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.
The Legal Threshold
A preliminary hearing carries a lower evidentiary bar than a trial. Prosecutors need only show reasonable grounds to believe Robinson committed the crime, rather than proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Chief Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander told state District Judge Tony Graf that prosecutors expect to present between 40 and 50 exhibits over the course of the week, including video of the shooting that will not be shown on the hearing’s public livestream.
Prosecutors are also expected to argue that the shooting endangered others in the crowd, an aggravating factor under Utah law that could support the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
The hearing is scheduled to continue through the week, with Robinson’s defense team able to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence presented. Once the proceeding concludes, Graf will decide whether the case proceeds to trial. If it does, Robinson would be expected to enter a plea at a later arraignment.
