The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson is happening in Provo, Utah. It’s running all week. This is like a mini-trial, but its purpose is limited. State District Judge Tony Graf isn’t deciding innocence or guilt. He just has to find probable cause.
According to a report by The Guardian, because prosecutors face a much lower legal threshold at a preliminary hearing than they would at trial, legal experts expect the judge to allow the case to proceed.
The Legal Bar Is Low
The legal bar is low. Very low. Former prosecutors told the Associated Press that the state’s chances of failing to meet that standard are almost zero.
Prosecutors showed a lot of evidence. Especially video. They presented university security footage.
It showed a man prosecutors believe is Tyler Robinson on campust and according to investigators, it showed his arrival at Utah Valley University on September 10.
There, he allegedly changed his clothing, walked to the Losee Center, and stepped over a railing onto the roof.
The Placement Of A Sniper
Former campus officer Christopher Bagley testified and he told the court he heard a single gunshot. Next, he made his way to the roof and described what he thought was a “disturbance” in the gravel.
CBS News reported that he described it as looking like a “sniper pad” with a clear line of sight to the outdoor debate stage below.
DNA Was Found
Forensic evidence was key. According to testimony from state investigators shared by CBS News, scientists found Robinson’s DNA on multiple items: the trigger of the recovered Mauser 98 rifle, a fired cartridge casing, a towel wrapped around the gun, and a screwdriver left on the rooftop.
The defense challenged the findings. They told the court that DNA from Robinson’s roommate and partner, Lance Twiggs, was also on the towel and screwdriver. They questioned the integrity of the findings.
The Text Message
More followed. Prosecutors also presented evidence they say amounts to a confession in a text message Robinson allegedly sent to his roommate.
According to court testimony, he wrote that he “had enough of [Charlie Kirk’s] hatred.”
Judge’s Big Calls
Judge Graf made several important rulings while Fox News reported the defense tried to block the death penalty, but the judge ruled prosecutors can still seek it if a future jury convicts Tyler.
Cameras are allowed too. The defense wanted them banned to avoid public prejudice, but the judge favored transparency and kept the livestream active, according to local court updates from KSL.
The court also permitted a recorded interview with Lance Twiggs, meaning the state didn’t have to force him to testify live on the stand this week.
What Happens Next
Robinson hasn’t formally answered the charges yet. For now, he’s staying in jail without bail at the Utah County Jail while the hearing continues.
After the state finishes presenting its side, Judge Graf will decide whether there’s enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
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