Charlie Kirk’s family says ‘overwhelming evidence’ links Tyler Robinson to killing as hearing ends

PROVO, UTAH: Charlie Kirk's family says it found comfort in seeing what it described as "overwhelming evidence" against Tyler Robinson after a weeklong preliminary hearing wrapped up on Friday, July 10.

The statement came as a Utah judge prepares to decide whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to send the aggravated murder case to trial.

Charlie Kirk's family says hearing was important step toward justice

Following the conclusion of the hearing, the Kirk family released a statement describing the process as both painful and necessary.

"The conclusion of the preliminary hearing marks an important step forward in the pursuit of justice for Charlie," the family said, adding that the proceedings had been "unimaginably painful and emotionally demanding."

The family said the testimony and evidence presented during the hearing brought them some comfort despite their loss.

“As difficult as these last few days have been, it brings our family comfort to know that the world has witnessed the overwhelming evidence of what occurred to Charlie that day," the statement said.

The family also stressed that no legal outcome could undo their loss.

"Nothing will ever undo the loss of our beloved Charlie," they added.

"As this case moves into its next phase, we pray that truth will continue to be heard through a process that is fair, transparent, and grounded in the facts."

Judge Tony Graf expected to decide next step by September

With the preliminary hearing now complete, attention turns to Utah State District Judge Tony Graf, who must determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to move forward to trial.

Shortly after the hearing ended, Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, filed a court request asking Graf to issue a decision by September 1.

Graf has scheduled four additional hours of oral arguments for that date and is expected to announce his ruling afterward.

Robinson has not entered a plea in the case and did not testify during the preliminary hearing.

He surrendered to authorities one day after the fatal shooting.

Prosecutors highlighted alleged confession and roommate testimony

One of the most closely watched moments of the hearing came when prosecutors played portions of a recorded interview involving Robinson's former roommate, Lance Twiggs.

According to prosecutors, Robinson allegedly confessed to the shooting in messages sent to Twiggs shortly after the incident.

The two were romantic partners at the time.

In the recorded interview played in court, Twiggs told investigators that Robinson appeared emotionally shaken following the shooting.

Twiggs said Robinson allegedly admitted responsibility and later expressed regret.

According to the interview, Robinson said he wished "he hadn't done it." Twiggs also described Robinson as acting erratically and said he discussed plans to turn himself in to police.

Prosecutors used the interview as part of their effort to show probable cause that Robinson carried out the killing. 

The judge will now review the evidence presented throughout the week before deciding whether the aggravated murder charge should proceed to trial.