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Investigator Describes Suspect's Movements Before Charlie Kirk Shooting
A state investigator testified that the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk visited the Utah Valley University campus multiple times on the day of the shooting, changed clothes, and climbed onto a rooftop before firing. Prosecutors played surveillance video and presented DNA evidence during a preliminary hearing.
Jul 8, 2:41 AM·2m read5 sources
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An investigator testified Tuesday that the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk visited Utah Valley University several times on the day of the shooting, bought food, spoke with representatives of Turning Point USA, changed clothes, and climbed onto a rooftop before firing from above.
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Former State Bureau of Investigation Agent David Hull described the sequence using previously unseen campus surveillance videos shown in state court. The defendant arrived on campus about four hours before the shooting and returned several times, Hull said.
In one video, the defendant climbs over a railing onto a rooftop, crouches, and runs to a spot overlooking where Kirk was speaking, Hull testified. After the shooting, the video shows the defendant running back across the roof, dropping to the ground, and fleeing on foot.
Investigators later recovered a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel in nearby woods. DNA on the towel matched the defendant's roommate and was very likely the defendant's, according to Jennifer Faumuina with the State Bureau of Investigation.
Defense attorneys questioned whether the presence of DNA necessarily meant the defendant touched the towel. An FBI analyst testified that finding a person's DNA on an item does not always mean that person handled it. Attorneys also asked about a bullet found at a different campus location and a handgun discovered in a backpack at the scene.
Hull said the bullet was traced to a law enforcement officer who had cleared a weapon.
Prosecutors allege the defendant targeted Kirk because of his political views and contend the shooting endangered others at the event. They intend to seek the death penalty. " — Note left for roommate, as described by prosecutors The defense sought to block a statement about Turning Point USA's traditional Christian values, arguing it did not reflect the defendant's state of mind.
