Utah Man Accused of Killing Conservative Activist Allegedly Expressed Regret to Boyfriend
A 26-year-old defendant facing capital punishment in Utah allegedly told his boyfriend he wished he had not shot a conservative activist during a campus event.
Utah Man Accused of Killing Conservative Activist Allegedly Expressed Regret to Boyfriend
A 26-year-old defendant facing capital punishment in Utah allegedly told his boyfriend he wished he had not shot a conservative activist during a campus event.
Tyler Robinson stands accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk at the University of Utah Valley in September. On the day following the homicide, Robinson reportedly broke down in tears while speaking with Lance Twiggs, his partner, at the apartment they shared in southern Utah.
Twiggs later relayed these statements to investigators, testifying in court this week. The couple's residence sits more than 200 miles from the campus where the shooting took place.
The defendant also allegedly posted a message on Discord, an online communication platform, writing that he was responsible for the incident at UVU. Approximately one hour later, he surrendered to authorities.
Forensic evidence revealed inscriptions on the ammunition used in the attack. The markings included phrases targeting the victim's political views. During Thursday's court proceedings, Robinson reportedly displayed visible reactions when these inscriptions were read aloud.
Defense counsel sought to prevent the introduction of the Discord messages and Twiggs's testimony, arguing the material could function as an admission of guilt and undermine the defendant's right to a fair trial. The victim's family opposed this motion. Judge Tony Graf ultimately permitted a redacted version of the recording to be presented.
Robinson's legal team has not contested his involvement in the shooting but has worked to exclude capital punishment as a sentencing option, without success thus far. Attorney Michael Burt raised questions about forensic testing on a bullet fragment recovered from the victim's body, noting the results were inconclusive in linking the fragment to the weapon.
In communications with Twiggs, Robinson allegedly expressed concern about fingerprints he may have left on the firearm authorities believe was used in the killing.
Prosecutors argue the shooting endangered additional individuals attending the campus event, a factor that could support a death sentence under Utah law. Evidence that Kirk was specifically targeted may also aggravate the charges against the defendant.
Twiggs received immunity for his statements to authorities, meaning his testimony cannot be used against him in any future criminal proceeding.
Judge Graf is evaluating whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. He will announce his decision September 1 after both sides present final arguments.
Source: Correio da Manhã
Source: Correio da Manhã