A court hearing in Provo revealed that the defendant in the killing of Charlie Kirk told his roommate he wished he had not committed the act the day after the shooting. According to recordings played during a preliminary hearing on Thursday, Robinson also posted a message on Discord claiming responsibility for the shooting at Utah Valley University about an hour before turning himself in.
Prosecutors presented an interview with Lance Twiggs, the romantic partner of defendant Tyler Robinson. In the interview, Twiggs described an interaction at their apartment where Robinson expressed regret. State District Judge Tony Graf allowed a redacted version of this video interview to be played after arguments from defense attorneys regarding the potential for a biased trial.
Evidence presented by the prosecution included messages on the Discord social media platform and text messages sent to Twiggs. One alleged note from Robinson stated he had the opportunity to take out Kirk and intended to do so, while another text suggested the targeting was due to having enough of Kirk's hatred. Additionally, State Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Davis testified about texts where Robinson expressed concern regarding leaving fingerprints on a rifle belonging to his grandfather.
Investigators stated that Robinson shot Kirk in the neck from a nearby rooftop while the activist was addressing a crowd at Utah Valley University. A bolt-action rifle with one spent round was later found wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the scene.
Defense attorneys have attempted to remove the death penalty as a possible punishment, though they have been unsuccessful. The hearing also involved arguments from Kirk's family lawyer, Jeffrey Neiman, who requested full transparency for the proceedings, and attorneys representing the media.
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and has not entered a plea. Judge Graf is expected to decide at the end of the week's hearing whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Twiggs provided statements to authorities under immunity.
