Inside digital evidence presented during preliminary hearing in Tyler Robinson trial
New testimony in the Charlie Kirk assassination case has put suspect Tyler Robinson back at the center of a volatile preliminary hearing in Provo, Utah. Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s former roommate, testified under a grant of immunity and described a series of text messages and face-to-face conversations in which Robinson allegedly admitted he was responsible for killing Kirk and later said he wished he had not done it.
Days after appearing in court beside his son as prosecutors presented what they described as a substantial body of evidence, Tyler Robinson’s father had returned to work at his local business, according to a report.
Matthew Robinson has remained publicly supportive of his son throughout the legal proceedings. He was also the person who helped bring Tyler Robinson to police after his son allegedly confessed to killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Even as the family stands by him, Utah taxpayers are expected to cover the cost of Tyler Robinson’s defense, which legal experts told the New York Post could exceed $10 million.
The New York Post reported that Matthew Robinson was seen moving between his $600,000 home in southern Utah and the masonry company he operates, only days after the preliminary hearing in his son’s case.
Matthew Robinson (left) has continued running his masonry business as his son, Tyler Robinson (right), faces prosecution in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. (Alec Thornock for INC News and Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
Sources who spoke with the outlet said the masonry business depends heavily on word-of-mouth referrals and established customer relationships to keep operating.
Despite the allegations against his son in Kirk’s killing, most of Matthew Robinson’s clients have continued working with the company, the report said. A colleague told the outlet that Robinson rarely brings up his son in conversation.
MORE STORY: Controversial YouTube Lawyer Honored by Rubio at Trump Gala After Police Raid Linked to Viral Video
Matthew Robinson has faced legal trouble of his own in the past. In a 2014 lawsuit, his brother and company co-founder accused him of embezzling $100,000 over a two-year period. The complaint also alleged that Matthew Robinson hid financial records and traded company work for personal favors.
Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, Thursday, December, 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
The brothers would eventually reach a confidential settlement.
The total cost of prosecuting Tyler Robinson has yet to be finalized, but his defense team has requested an additional $2 million in state funding, a figure experts believe could ultimately balloon past $10 million overall.
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors played a recorded video interview with the Kirk assassination suspect’s ex-roommate and lover, Lance Twiggs, who said Tyler Robinson confessed to the killing.
“I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet,” Robinson allegedly texted Twiggs. “Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”
“You weren’t the one who did it right????” Twiggs replied.
“I am,” Robinson allegedly texted back. “I’m sorry.”
