A judge in Utah has rejected a defense request to display all exhibits in the case against a man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a university campus last September.
Judge Tony Graf Jr. denied the motion Wednesday during the second day of preliminary hearings for Tyler Robinson at a courthouse in Provo. The decision prevents the public disclosure of materials prosecutors claim constitute a confession from Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s romantic partner.
DNA Evidence Presented in Court
A Utah state investigator testified Tuesday that DNA belonging to Twiggs was recovered from critical pieces of evidence gathered after the September 10, 2025, shooting at Utah Valley University. Jennifer Faumina, a sergeant with the Utah Department of Public Safety’s State Bureau of Investigation, presented DNA analysis findings from the witness stand.
Faumina testified that male DNA matching Twiggs was identified on two significant items: a screwdriver discovered on the roof of the Losee Center for Student Success and a towel wrapped around the rifle allegedly used in the shooting. “Male DNA was obtained from item 7-1. Item 7-1 was interpreted as originating from two individuals, one of whom is Twiggs,” Faumina said during her testimony.
Court Proceedings and Legal Challenges
The Utah Supreme Court declined last week to hear the defense’s appeal challenging Judge Graf’s earlier rulings, clearing the path for the preliminary hearing to advance as scheduled. The defense had contested Graf’s decisions permitting cameras in the courtroom and allowing certain hearsay testimony during the proceedings.
Graf has maintained authority over media coverage decisions on a case-by-case basis rather than imposing a blanket policy. News organizations must submit camera requests at least 14 days before scheduled hearings, while either party can request restrictions on electronic coverage.
The defense sought to prohibit all camera coverage during the preliminary hearing, but Graf rejected nearly all such requests. The judge approved only one motion, denying a media outlet permission to take still photographs after the organization submitted its request one day past the court-imposed deadline.
What Comes Next
The preliminary hearing, which began Monday, is expected to continue throughout the week as prosecutors present evidence supporting charges that Robinson fatally shot Kirk during a campus event. The Utah Supreme Court stated in its order that the petition for permission to appeal from the interlocutory order was denied and the motion to stay was deemed moot.