Preliminary hearing begins for man charged with killing Charlie Kirk

A five-day preliminary hearing began Monday in a Utah courtroom to decide whether prosecutors have enough evidence to bring Tyler Robinson to trial for the September killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and will present DNA evidence, investigator testimony, autopsy findings, witness statements, and video of the shooting.

Kirk's widow and parents attended the hearing, which is being livestreamed. The family issued a statement Monday describing Kirk as a husband, son, brother, friend, and father and requesting continued privacy during the proceedings. Witnesses said Kirk was shot while debating gun violence at an event at Utah Valley University.

Robinson, 23, turned himself in after the shooting. Prosecutors allege he sent a text message confession to his partner and left a note stating he had an opportunity to kill one of the nation's leading conservative voices.

Background on the case Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 killing. He has not entered a plea. Authorities have said DNA consistent with Robinson's was found on the trigger of the rifle used in the shooting, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges, and a towel used to wrap the rifle.

His parents confronted him after authorities released a surveillance photo and details about the rifle, according to authorities. They convinced him to meet with a family friend, a retired sheriff's deputy, who helped arrange his surrender.

Legal proceedings The hearing will determine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson committed the crime, a lower standard than the proof required at trial. Prosecutors are not required to present all their evidence and may use hearsay.