According to prosecutors, forensic evidence will play a central role in their presentation. Investigators say Robinson’s DNA was recovered from multiple parts of the alleged murder weapon, identified as his grandfather’s World War I and World War II-era Mauser rifle. Authorities allege DNA was found on the trigger, a fired cartridge casing, two unfired rounds, and the towel wrapped around the firearm after it was allegedly abandoned in a wooded area along the suspect’s reported escape route.
Prosecutors also intend to introduce what they describe as a handwritten confession note allegedly left for Robinson’s roommate before the shooting. According to court filings, the note stated:
“I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Investigators also plan to present testimony and text messages obtained from Robinson’s roommate, who was also described as his romantic partner. Prosecutors allege Robinson sent several messages in the hours following the shooting that they believe further connect him to the crime.
One of those alleged messages read:
“I had enough of his hatred.”
The message continued:
“Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Another text prosecutors say they recovered allegedly stated:
“Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still.”
According to investigators, Robinson had been planning the attack for more than a week before the shooting. Prosecutors are also expected to introduce surveillance video, eyewitness testimony, autopsy findings, and dozens of additional exhibits during the hearing.
Legal experts note that this week’s proceeding is not a trial to determine guilt or innocence. Instead, prosecutors must establish probable cause that Robinson committed the offenses charged. Former Utah state judge Mark Kouris reportedly said the threshold is significantly lower than the burden required during a criminal trial, describing the prosecution’s burden as relatively modest compared to proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Among those attending the hearing is Donald Trump Jr., who appeared in court alongside members of the Kirk family as prosecutors began presenting their case. Following Robinson’s arrest last year, Trump Jr. publicly expressed his belief that the defendant should receive the death penalty if convicted.
Defense attorneys, meanwhile, have challenged several aspects of the prosecution’s case in the months leading up to the hearing. Court records show they sought to limit media access, argued against pursuing capital punishment, and attempted to exclude portions of the roommate’s testimony. Those efforts have thus far been unsuccessful.
For many observers, however, the emotional center of the case remains Erika Kirk.
After losing her husband, Erika stepped into a leadership role at Turning Point USA while continuing to speak publicly about her family’s loss. She also supported efforts to keep courtroom proceedings open to public view, emphasizing transparency throughout the legal process.
Perhaps most striking was the message she delivered during Charlie Kirk’s memorial service.
“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said through tears. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did. It is what Charlie would do.”
Her statement stood in sharp contrast to the anger expressed by many supporters demanding the harshest possible punishment if Robinson is convicted.
As the hearing continues, prosecutors are expected to present evidence they believe establishes probable cause to move the case toward trial. For the Kirk family, the week promises to be emotionally difficult as they sit through testimony, forensic evidence, photographs, and video connected to the killing.
The preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue through Friday, after which the judge will decide whether the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
