Tyler Robinson pretrial hearing day 5: Defense questions DNA evidence, seeks to ban live broadcast

By Samantha Kamman, Christian Post Reporter Friday, July 10, 2026

3. Tyler Robinson's defense attorney questions DNA evidence

One of Tyler Robinson's attorneys, Michael Burt, has challenged the reliability of DNA tests cited by the prosecution. The DNA tests reportedly link the suspect to a rifle found near the scene where Charlie Kirk was shot, as well as to evidence such as the ammunition and a tool used to engrave messages onto bullet cartridges. 

On Friday, Burt asked Caitlin Oliver, a forensic biologist with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, about the limits of such tests and whether it is possible for a third party to transfer DNA. 

"If you had a lot of DNA on your hand, we shook hands, and I went to pick up an exhibit, a gun, and I touched the trigger of it, your DNA could be on that trigger, right?" Burt asked. 

Oliver replied that the third-party transfer of DNA is possible. 

During the proceedings on Tuesday, Robinson’s attorneys questioned FBI analyst Amanda Bakker about the DNA evidence that allegedly links their client to the weapon reportedly used to murder Kirk. 

Authorities discovered a firearm wrapped inside a towel in a wooded area close to where the conservative activist was shot at Utah Valley University last September. 

According to Bakker, Robinson’s roommate, Lance Twiggs, provided a DNA sample for comparison. The FBI analyst said that the tests appear to have attributed the DNA to Twiggs and Robinson. 

The suspect’s defense team attempted to cast doubt on the findings, arguing that Bakker cannot match Robinson to the questioned samples.

The defense team for Robinson has previously challenged the reliability of the ballistics test on a bullet recovered from Charlie Kirk’s body. Authorities attempted to connect the fragment to the weapon Robison allegedly used to kill Kirk, but the results were inconclusive.