In a surprising development in the murder case of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, defense attorneys argue that the bullet that killed Kirk may not match the firearm linked to the alleged killer, Tyler Robinson.
Robinson faces charges of first-degree murder and is potentially facing the death penalty for the shooting at Utah Valley University on September 10.
In a recent court filing, Robinson’s lawyers claim that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) could not definitively link the bullet recovered from Kirk’s autopsy to the gun allegedly connected to Robinson.
The defense is now seeking to introduce testimony from an ATF firearms analyst as potentially exonerating evidence. They also requested a six-month delay of the preliminary hearing to allow time to review new forensic reports, including DNA findings indicating multiple DNA traces on some of the evidence.
Robinson’s attorneys have also noted that the prosecution provided approximately 20,000 electronic files, including audio recordings, videos, and written documents, which the defense needs time to examine thoroughly.
According to prosecutors, Robinson allegedly drove three hours from his home to the university campus to commit the murder. He was eventually turned in by his father, Matt Robinson, who recognized the gun in police photos released during the search for Kirk’s killer.
Authorities report that the firearm was previously given to Tyler by his grandfather, and it was the same gun used in the shooting. After recognizing the “unique” weapon, Matt Robinson reportedly texted his son, requesting a photo of the family heirloom, which Tyler could not provide.
Court documents also reveal that in texts exchanged with his roommate and accomplice, Lance Twigs, Robinson allegedly stated that the gun was the only evidence he had left behind.
