Charlie Kirk live updates: Defence disputes DNA evidence in assassination hearing

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The weeklong preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk continues Wednesday.

Prosecutors are aiming to show that they have enough evidence against Tyler Robinson to proceed to a trial, a bar experts say they are likely to pass.

What to know:

• The 23-year-old Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 assassination of Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus, for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Robinson’s attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.
• Robinson’s lawyers are expected to keep questioning the reliability of DNA testing that prosecutors said links the defendant to the suspected murder weapon, a rifle found wrapped inside a towel.
• On Tuesday, prosecutors showed previously unseen campus surveillance footage that investigators testified showed Robinson on the Utah Valley University campus talking with Kirk’s staff, and later returning in different clothes to shoot the conservative activist from a rooftop.

Follow for key updates:

Day three of Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing begins

State District Judge Tony Graf is presiding.

DNA expert says it’s reliable science

Forensics expert Lawrence Quarino said law enforcement agencies use “extremely reliable” tests to determine the probability a person matches with DNA found at a crime scene.

Quarino, a professor and director of the forensic science program at Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania, called DNA testing “the gold standard” of forensic science.

A lawyer for Tyler Robinson on Tuesday questioned the reliability of DNA tests authorities said linked him to the suspected murder weapon – a rifle found after Kirk was shot.

There are ways to challenge DNA evidence, Quarino noted. He said a defense attorney, for instance, could claim DNA material was transferred to a location by an intermediary who shook the hand of a suspect. But he said government labs that analyze DNA have strict quality controls and their science is sound.

Tyler Robinson’s parents arrive at the courthouse

Matt and Amber Robinson have attended every day of the hearing so far. They are usually seated a row or two away from the Kirk family in the courtroom gallery.

A woman brings a sign in support of the Kirk family

Sydney Young came from Alpine, Utah, to the courthouse with a handmade sign decorated with hearts and the words, “Prayers 4 the Kirks.” She also held a silver star-shaped balloon.

Young, who’s been watching the preliminary hearing off and on via livestream, said she wanted to show support for Kirk’s widow, Erika.

“I recently just lost my father, right after Kirk. He died of a heart attack, and I know from personal experience how horrible it is,” she said, fighting back tears.

Young said her message to Erika Kirk is this: “Erika, I’m so sorry for your loss, and I hope you know this action doesn’t represent all of Utah.”

A law officer told Young signs weren’t allowed on courthouse property, so she moved across the street.

Charlie Kirk’s parents have arrived at the courthouse

Robert and Kathryn Kirk have attended every day of the preliminary hearing so far.

Sometimes, however, they leave the courtroom to avoid hearing details about their son’s death.

People brought coloured wristbands to sneak into court, security director says

Court staff have came outside to speak to people lined up before proceedings resume and issued a warning about the rules of decorum.

Chris Palmer, the court’s director of security, says wristbands for public seating in court are now labelled because security discovered some people bought coloured wristbands from the dollar store to sneak in.

“It’s not worth being arrested for,” Palmer said.

Some travelled from afar for a chance to see the hearing

Nguyen Weeks traveled to Provo from her northern California home because she wanted to see Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing for herself.But she didn’t get one of the limited public seats on Monday or Tuesday, and ended up watching the livestream. For Wednesday’s hearing, she lined up at 2 a.m. — early enough to score the first spot in line.

“I’m interested in this case generally, thinking about how justice happens — or not — or what are the obstacles to that,” Weeks said.

The first two days included “some bombshells,” Weeks said, like the testimony from an investigator who said the person who provided doorbell camera footage to law enforcement believed there were multiple people in Tyler Robinson’s car. The investigator said a review of the video showed just one person. The video clip is one of several that have been shown in court.

“Before coming, I may have been a little biased and as more information comes out, I’m willing to open myself up to whatever,” Weeks said. “I’ve been listening to the prosecution saying they have loads of evidence. I’m looking forward to seeing it. I would say I’ve seen more defence evidence unroll, surprisingly.”

People are lining up in hopes of grabbing a seat in the courtroom

Journalists and members of the public have formed a line in front of the courthouse doors, waiting for the preliminary hearing to start at 1 p.m. local time. Some sit in lawn chairs and chat.

Windows on the fourth floor of the building, where the courtroom is located, remain covered by black sheeting to obstruct views.

Robinson’s defence disputed the idea that he was hostile to Kirk’s politics

Defence attorney Richard Novak sought to block prosecutors from introducing a statement describing the traditional Christian values of Turning Point USA.

“This doesn’t say anything about Mr. Robinson’s state of mind,” Novak said about the statement from Turning Point USA board member David Engelhardt. “I don’t think that this court should be deciding — based on the record before it — where, if at all, politics and religion intersect.”

The judge ruled that the Turning Point statement was relevant and would be “provisionally admitted” with a final decision at a later date.

Robinson’s roommate provided investigators with a DNA sample

FBI analyst Amanda Bakker said after Robinson’s roommate provided a DNA sample for comparison, she was able to rerun her tests and attribute all of the DNA to two people.

Investigators found the towel and suspected murder weapon — a bolt-action rifle with one spent round — in a wooded area near where Kirk was shot.

DNA on the towel matched to two people, Jennifer Faumuina with the State Bureau of Investigation testified. One was Robinson’s roommate, Lance Twiggs, and the other was very likely Robinson, she said.

Defence lawyer Michael Burt cast doubt

It’s a theme that’s likely to come up again during a weeklong preliminary hearing.

“She can’t match Mr. Robinson to the questioned samples,” Burt concluded.

Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride countered that the reliability of the DNA testing could be examined if the case goes to trial. He suggested the preliminary hearing was not the time to take up the matter.

“The point is there are explanations that are susceptible to different interpretations and arguments,” McBride said. “The court is going to determine if it meets the threshold of reliability at trial.”

DNA evidence from Charlie Kirk assassination disputed by defence

Lawyers for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk are expected to keep questioning the reliability of DNA testing that prosecutors said links the defendant to the suspected murder weapon when a weeklong hearing continues Wednesday.

A member of Tyler Robinson’s defence team interrogated a DNA analyst from the FBI on Tuesday about the techniques she used to connect Robinson to a rifle found wrapped inside a towel at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot in September while speaking to a crowd.

Defence lawyer Michael Burt cast doubt on the analyst’s conclusions — a theme that’s likely to come up again during a weeklong preliminary hearing.