During the preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson in Utah’s Fourth District Court in Provo, prosecutors presented a series of text messages allegedly exchanged between Robinson, then 22, and his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs (referred to as “Luna” in the messages).
These messages, sent primarily on September 10, 2025 — the day of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem — were read into evidence and displayed in court. They form a central part of the prosecution’s case on charges including aggravated murder, for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
The exchange began earlier in the day with routine affectionate messages. Around 11 p.m. on September 10, a pre-scheduled text from Robinson instructed Twiggs to, “drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard.”
Once there, Twiggs found a handwritten note from Robinson. “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 note read.
Robinson followed up with additional texts from the Orem area. “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet. 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,” the accused killer wrote.
When Twiggs asked, “you weren’t the one who did it right????” Robinson replied, “I am, I’m sorry.” In response to further questions about his actions, Robinson stated he had “had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Robinson indicated the incident had been planned “a bit over a week.” He expressed concern about evidence, referencing a rifle (described as his grandfather’s, wrapped in a towel and left in a bush after he changed outfits) and potential fingerprints. He also mentioned engraving bullets and referenced memes such as “notices bulge uwu,” noting he worried about their discovery.
He instructed Twiggs to “delete this exchange” and stated his father wanted photos of the rifle, adding that his father had become “pretty diehard maga” since Trump took office. Robinson also wrote that he planned to turn himself in willingly through a neighbor who was a sheriff’s deputy and that Twiggs was “all I worry about love.”
Here are images of the text messages exchanged between Tyler Robinson and Lance Twiggs which includes his confession and attempt to retrieve his rifle. pic.twitter.com/CLd6pW2xAO
— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) July 9, 2026
Separately, prosecutors introduced evidence of a Discord group chat post by Robinson stating, in substance, “It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all this. I’m surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments.” Robinson ultimately turned himself in on September 11, 2025, after returning to St. George.
Details about the rifle, its concealment, and concerns over forensic traces align with physical evidence presented elsewhere in the hearing, such as a rifle recovered with Robinson’s DNA, a towel, bullet casings found at the scene with specific engravings (including references consistent with preparation activities), surveillance footage of movements on campus, and cellphone location data. The instructions to delete messages and limit contact with authorities further demonstrate awareness of potential consequences.
The in-person statements Twiggs later described to investigators — including Robinson’s tearful confession the following day and expression of regret (“he wishes he hadn’t done it”) — corroborate the written admissions.
