The trans-identifying lover of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, will not have to testify in person at a court hearing next month.
In a win for the prosecution, Utah Judge Tony Graf Jr. on Monday rejected Robinson’s defense team’s bid to subpoena and cross-examine Lance Twiggs.
Prosecutors opposed the request for in-person testimony, arguing they already have a recorded interview where Twiggs allegedly told investigators that Robinson confessed to the crime, hid a weapon, disposed of clothing, and warned his boyfriend not to tip off law enforcement. Authorities reportedly granted Twiggs limited immunity in April for providing statements against Robinson.
The prosecution will also present a handwritten note Robinson gave to Twiggs as evidence, according to NBC News.
In Monday’s hearing, the judge punted a ruling on the death penalty for another day but allowed hearsay to be used at a preliminary hearing.
Graf argued the Utah Constitution allows the state to rely on reliable hearsay to establish probable cause.
“Although the preliminary hearing is a critical stage of the criminal process, it is not a trial, and does not involve a determination of guilt or innocence,” Graf said, according to NBC.
Monday’s ruling deals another blow to Robinson’s defense team, which has repeatedly lost key evidentiary motions in court.
On June 1, Judge Graf rejected Robinson’s request to keep key court proceedings and evidence out of the public eye — meaning the media and the public will have access to his preliminary hearings and evidence exhibits.
In May, Judge Graf also rejected a defense request to bar cameras, microphones, and still photographers from Robinson’s murder trial, The Daily Wire previously reported.
The defense argued that allowing cameras would jeopardize Robinson’s “fair trial rights.” The prosecution pushed back, insisting that transparency builds public trust in the judicial process.
“Mischief lurks in the dark or in secret,” Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander said. “Conspiracy theories abound, and the antidote is the actual, real proceedings … Let’s shine a light on these proceedings, a bright light, so the public can have confidence in what happens in this courtroom.”
Robinson allegedly sent his boyfriend, whom he referred to as “Luna,” a message on the day of the shooting that read, “drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard,” The Daily Wire previously reported.
“Luna, if you are reading this per my text, then I am so sorry. I left the house this morning on a mission, and sent an auto text. I am likely dead or facing a lengthy prison sentence. I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it,” the letter states, according to KSL.
Robinson’s mother previously told investigators that her son became more political and left-leaning over the past year, adopting pro-gay and pro-transgender views.
It remains unclear when the trial against Robinson will begin. If convicted, he faces the death penalty.