Authorities recovered a towel and screwdriver during the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer, reportedly had DNA on these items, along with Lance Twiggs, a former lover and roommate. On September 10, 2025, Robinson allegedly used a towel to conceal the murder weapon after fatally shooting Kirk at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
Police found the suspected murder weapon, a Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle, wrapped in a dark towel near the crime scene. The rifle was altered to fire .30-06 rounds, matching the fragments in Kirk’s autopsy. The screwdriver appeared near an alleged sniper’s perch overlooking the event. Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing began on a Monday and continued throughout the week. Prosecutors aim to establish probable cause for charges, including aggravated murder, which might lead to a death penalty.
David Hull from the Utah Department of Public Safety testified at the preliminary hearing. Surveillance footage allegedly captured Robinson around the campus before and after the shooting and in his Dodge Challenger. Sgt. Jennifer Faumuina of the State Bureau of Investigations handled evidence processing on-site. This included the retrieval of a screwdriver from the rooftop of UVU’s Losee Center, where Robinson allegedly fired the fatal shot. Faumuina confirmed DNA evidence on the towel and screwdriver, consistent with Robinson and Twiggs.
Robinson allegedly confessed to Twiggs through a handwritten note and text messages. Twiggs, cooperating with the investigation, faces no charges, but his DNA presence strengthens the case against Robinson. Forensic analyst Amanda Bakker from the FBI testified that Robinson’s DNA is likely the major contributor on the evidence, with Twiggs as the minor contributor. During the hearing, defense attorney Michael Burt questioned Bakker extensively, leading to multiple objections from prosecutor Ryan McBride.
Observers, including Charlie Kirk’s family, attended the hearing. The gallery watched as Bakker detailed DNA evidence, and tension rose as Kirk’s widow and family reacted to the questioning. Robinson, who has not entered a plea, remains under scrutiny. If prosecutors establish probable cause, experts anticipate Robinson will be required to enter a plea in court. There is a strong expectation that probable cause will be established without issue, as expressed by Maryland attorney Randolph Rice.