A Utah judge denied a request from the family of Charlie Kirk to publicly display all evidence in the case against the man accused of shooting the conservative activist on a college campus in September 2025.
Judge Tony Graf Jr. made the ruling Wednesday during preliminary hearings for Tyler Robinson, who faces charges in connection with Kirk’s death at Utah Valley University. The decision blocks the release of exhibits, including a statement from Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s romantic partner.
DNA Evidence Presented
A Utah investigator testified Tuesday that DNA belonging to Twiggs was discovered on critical items recovered after the September 10 shooting. Jennifer Faumina, a sergeant with the Utah Department of Public Safety assigned to the State Bureau of Investigation, presented DNA analysis results from the witness stand.
“Male DNA was obtained from item 7-1. Item 7-1 was interpreted as originating from two individuals, one of whom is Twiggs,” Faumina testified. She identified the items as a screwdriver found on the roof of the Losee Center for Student Success and a towel wrapped around the rifle allegedly used in the shooting.
Court Proceedings Move Forward
The Utah Supreme Court declined to hear the defense’s appeal of Judge Graf’s earlier rulings, clearing the path for Robinson’s preliminary hearing to continue. The defense had challenged decisions allowing cameras in the courtroom and permitting certain hearsay evidence during proceedings.
Judge Graf previously determined that requests for media coverage would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis rather than through a blanket policy. News organizations must submit camera requests at least 14 days in advance, while the judge retains final authority over approval decisions.
The defense sought to bar cameras from covering the preliminary hearing, and Graf rejected nearly all of those requests. The judge granted only one motion, blocking still photography from a media outlet that missed the filing deadline by one day.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting team contributed to this report.
