[News · Fox News] Tyler Robinson case: Attorneys spar over DNA found on items near the crime scene

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NEWS REPORT by Fox News — "Tyler Robinson case: Attorneys spar over DNA found on items near the crime scene" (published 2026-07-07).
This is journalism ABOUT State of Utah v. Tyler James Robinson — NOT the court record. It is indexed for comparison against the primary transcripts/filings. Full article: https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/live-news-tyler-robinson-court-appearance-07-07-26

Day two of Tyler Robinson's preliminary hearing featured testimony from FBI forensic examiner Amanda Bakker, who stated that Robinson's DNA was discovered on two items recovered near Utah Valley University's campus: a towel wrapped around a rifle found in a wooded area and a screwdriver recovered from the rooftop of the Losee Center for Student Success, where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10. Defense attorney Michael Burt aggressively questioned Bakker's analysis, attempting to create reasonable doubt about the evidence's significance. Burt pressed the witness on the towel's origin, asking: "Did any investigator ever tell you that the towel did not come from Mr. Robinson's home, but was found in a bush out at the university?" Burt highlighted that Robinson's former roommate and lover Lance Twiggs also had DNA on both items, though Bakker indicated Twiggs' sample was used as an "elimination sample" and isn't charged with any crime. Tensions escalated as Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, displayed visible emotional reactions during the combative questioning. She was seen holding tissues while prosecutors presented surveillance video allegedly tracking Robinson's movements through campus that day. Judge Tony Graf adjourned proceedings, scheduling continuation for Wednesday at 1 p.m. local time.