Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Told Roommate He ‘Wishes He Hadn’t Done It,’ Court Hears
A Utah court has heard that Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old suspect accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly admitted the killing to his roommate and later expressed regret.
Robinson is facing aggravated murder and other charges in connection with Kirk’s death on September 10, 2025.
Roommate’s Statement Presented in Court
During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors played an investigative interview with Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs.
The prosecution also presented text messages exchanged between the two.
According to Twiggs, Robinson cried at their apartment after the shooting and said he wished he had not done it.
Preliminary Hearings Underway
Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
The hearings this week are being held so a judge can decide whether prosecutors have enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Because the case could involve the death penalty, the evidence is being closely examined.
Some parts of Twiggs’ video statement and text messages were redacted, while other portions were shown only to people inside the courtroom.
Roommate Says Robinson Asked for Engraving Tool
Twiggs told prosecutors that Robinson had asked for an engraving tool months before the shooting.
According to Twiggs, Robinson said he wanted to engrave bullets for a camping and hunting trip with his family.
On Thursday, prosecutors showed images of the alleged murder weapon, described as a bolt-action rifle.
They also revealed images of engraved bullets and cartridges found at the crime scene and at the home Robinson shared with Twiggs.
Engraved Cartridges Shown as Evidence
Investigators said inscriptions found at the scene included messages such as “If you read this, you are gay” and “Fascist! Catch!”
A cartridge marked “Test Shot” was found at Robinson and Twiggs’ residence.
Prosecutors Describe Kirk’s Killing
Investigators allege that Robinson shot 31-year-old Charlie Kirk once in the neck while Kirk was speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University.
Kirk, a father of two, was a close Trump ally and the founder of the youth organization Turning Point USA.
He was later pronounced dead at hospital.
Political Conversations Mentioned
Twiggs told prosecutors that Robinson sometimes talked about politics and listened to political radio shows while travelling to and from work as an electrician.
However, Twiggs said he did not share the same level of interest and rarely added much to those conversations.
According to Twiggs, Robinson’s comments were mostly about President Donald Trump or new legislation.
Twiggs said they did not discuss Kirk and did not talk about LGBT issues.
Twiggs was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for cooperating with investigators.
Robinson Left Early on Day of Shooting
Twiggs said Robinson left earlier than usual on the day of the shooting, around 4 a.m.
At the time, Twiggs believed Robinson was heading to a job farther away.
After Kirk was killed, Robinson allegedly texted Twiggs and told him to stop what he was doing and look under his keyboard.
Note Left for Roommate
Prosecutors said Robinson left a note addressed to Twiggs as “Luna.”
In the note, Robinson allegedly wrote that he had the chance to take out Charlie Kirk and took it.
He also wrote that he wished they could have lived in a world where it was not necessary.
The note ended with Robinson telling Twiggs to try to find joy in life and saying he loved him.
Text Messages Presented in Court
After reading the note, Twiggs texted Robinson and asked whether he was the person responsible.
According to messages shown in court, Robinson replied that he was and apologized.
When Twiggs asked why, Robinson allegedly said he had enough of Kirk’s hatred and that some hate could not be negotiated away.
Robinson Allegedly Described Trying to Retrieve Rifle
Prosecutors said Robinson continued texting Twiggs that night while still near the Utah Valley University campus.
He allegedly said he had left his rifle in bushes where he changed clothes and was waiting to retrieve it.
In another text, Robinson reportedly wrote that if he could recover the rifle unseen, he would have left no evidence.
He also complained about loud crickets and worried that a police dog may have found the firearm.
Robinson later texted that he was sitting in his car watching reels and then said he was leaving Orem, more than 200 miles from their apartment in St. George, southern Utah.
Roommate Says Robinson Regretted Shooting
The next day, Twiggs said Robinson was back at their apartment.
Twiggs said Robinson did not go into much detail about what happened.
When Twiggs asked whether what Robinson had said the previous night was true, Robinson allegedly confirmed it.
Twiggs said Robinson cried slightly, said he wished he had not done it, and then kept moving around the apartment as if trying to stay distracted.
Robinson also told Twiggs he planned to turn himself in.
Arrest at Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Utah State Bureau of Investigation agent Brian Davis testified that Robinson arrived at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office around 9 p.m. on September 11.
He was accompanied by his parents and a family friend when he came to be arrested.
Defence Challenges Evidence
Robinson’s defence team repeatedly objected to exhibits and testimony during the proceedings.
Earlier in the week, prosecutors introduced an FBI report stating that DNA belonging to Robinson and Twiggs was found on a rifle, screwdriver and towel recovered at the scene.
The defence questioned the analyst who signed the report for several hours, focusing on testing methods, protocol, interpretation and possible margins of error.
Family Members Attend Court
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents, Kathryn and Robert, attended the hearings throughout the week.
Donald Trump Jr. and his new wife were also present.
Robinson’s parents and two of his brothers sat behind him in court, according to the Associated Press.
The AP reported that Robinson’s mother, Amber, cried as some of his messages were read aloud in court.
The preliminary hearings in Tyler Robinson’s case have revealed new details about the prosecution’s evidence, including roommate testimony, text messages, engraved cartridges and DNA findings.
Prosecutors allege Robinson admitted to killing Charlie Kirk and later expressed regret, while the defence continues to challenge key evidence. A judge will now decide whether the case should move forward to trial.
