Suspect's Roommate in Charlie Kirk Killing Given Immunity for Recorded Statements

The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, continued Wednesday, with defense attorneys challenging the prosecution's DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon. The hearing is expected to conclude Friday, after which state District Judge Tony Graf will determine if the case warrants a trial.

Prosecutors revealed a key development: Robinson's roommate, Lance Twiggs, was granted "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators. State Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Davis testified that Twiggs' April 20 interview was recorded instead of having him appear in person at the hearing. Deputy Utah County Attorney Lauren Hunt anticipates defense objections to the introduction of these videotaped statements.

Robinson, 23, faces an aggravated murder charge for Kirk's assassination on the Utah Valley University campus on September 10. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, though Robinson's attorneys have unsuccessfully attempted to have it removed from consideration. Robinson had no prior criminal record before his arrest, and he has not yet entered a plea.

According to court documents, Robinson allegedly admitted to the crime in a text message to Twiggs on the day of the shooting. Twiggs was interviewed twice by investigators, with FBI agents present for the first interview shortly after the incident and law enforcement and prosecutors present for the second interview in April.