Nationwide — A new court filing raises doubts about whether the bullet that killed Charlie Kirk matches the rifle linked to suspect Tyler Robinson. His defense team is now pushing for more time to review forensic and DNA evidence.
Robinson, 22, is charged with capital murder in the September 10 shooting at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors say he drove about three hours to the campus and used a rifle later identified as a family firearm. Authorities say his father recognized the weapon in police-released images and turned him in.
According to the Daily Mail, defense attorneys argue that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives could not conclusively link the recovered bullet to Robinson’s rifle. They have asked to delay the preliminary hearing by at least six months, saying experts need time to properly assess ballistic and DNA findings.
According to the defense, the case includes complex DNA results with multiple contributors, which require deeper scientific review. They also say they are still waiting for complete forensic case files needed to evaluate the prosecution’s evidence.
Robinson’s legal team says they have already received around 20,000 pieces of evidence, including videos, audio recordings, and documents. They argue that sorting through the material and identifying missing records will take hundreds of hours of work.
Court documents also describe messages between Robinson and his roommate, where he allegedly discussed retrieving the rifle and avoiding leaving traces. He later allegedly expressed concern about evidence before being taken into custody after his father alerted authorities.
Investigators say the rifle used in the shooting was a gift from Robinson’s grandfather. Prosecutors allege Robinson later admitted involvement to his father, who then contacted law enforcement and helped secure his arrest.
Robinson is scheduled to return to court on April 17, where attorneys will argue over courtroom camera access and other pretrial issues. The case has drawn widespread attention, with both sides citing concerns over media coverage and public influence.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, has called for transparency in courtroom proceedings and has supported allowing cameras during the trial. She has also said she forgives Robinson for the alleged killing.