Some evidence appears to be missing in Charlie Kirk murder case: Report

A public records request with the Washington County Sheriff's Office found that video footage of alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson turning himself in no longer exists, a Utah news outlet reported Wednesday. 

Kirk, who is remembered for his staunch Christian faith and for founding the conservative grassroots organization Turning Point USA, was assassinated at a rally in Utah in September. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice, witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child for Kirk's death.

Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby told KUTV 2 News that Robinson was taken to his office days after the shooting, where he was greeted by two plainclothes detectives. But a public records request found that video showing Robinson entering the Washington County Jail and holding area no longer exists. 

“We do not have any records responsive to this portion of the request, as Tyler Robinson did not go to or enter the jail area,” a records officer with the sheriff's office told the outlet. 

The outlet then filed another request a few weeks later that more broadly requested footage of Robinson walking into the department, which the sheriff's office again said it did not have. 

“Our office does not have any applicable records responsive to this request, as the surveillance footage is no longer available after the 30-day retention period,” the officer said.

When asked whether the footage was ever shared with another law enforcement agency or department, the office said, “It is my understanding it was never sent out to any agency.”

Criminal defense attorney Rudy Bautista told the outlet that the office not having the footage was "concerning." 

“For the state of Utah, we would certainly hope that this video is available,” Bautista said. “If, in fact, it has been destroyed and not preserved, it's very concerning. And if it has, then it's very concerning that they're telling you they don't have it. If they no longer have it, I would have expected to say that this video has been provided to the Utah County law enforcement."

Bautista said the evidence of Robinson turning himself in would be “crucial for the defense work of mitigation.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.