Judge Blocks Ex-Partner Testimony in Tyler Robinson Murder Case Ahead of July 6 Hearing
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jun 22
Judge Blocks Ex-Partner Testimony in Tyler Robinson Murder Case Ahead of July 6 Hearing
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 22
Summary
Judge Tony Graf Jr. quashed Tyler Robinson’s subpoena for former partner Lance Twiggs to testify live at the July 6 preliminary hearing in the Charlie Kirk murder case.
Prosecutors said they will instead rely on a recorded interview in which Twiggs allegedly said Robinson confessed, hid the weapon, discarded clothing and told Twiggs not to contact police.
Graf also rejected the defense bid to bar hearsay at the hearing, ruling Utah law allows reliable hearsay to establish probable cause because a preliminary hearing does not decide guilt.
Friday’s next court session will address other pre-hearing issues, including the defense effort to subpoena seven forensic witnesses, before the July proceeding where electronics will be barred from the courtroom.
Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder and other felonies in the 2025 shooting death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University; prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.