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Lawyers for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk are expected to keep casting doubt on the prosecution's evidence as a key hearing continues to unfold July 8.Over the course of two days, prosecutors played at times graphic footage and called three law enforcement witnesses to support their claim that Tyler Robinson, 23, shot Kirk, 31, during a September event at Utah Valley University. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder and other felonies, and Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said he intends to seek the death penalty.Officials testified about the chaotic scene that broke out as the search for the shooter began as well as new surveillance footage shown in court, which they say captured Robinson arriving on campus and later fleeing the scene with an object in his hand.David Hull, who was an investigator with the State Bureau of Investigation at the time, told the court that Robinson visited campus four times on Sept. 10 and 11 and interacted with members of Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, prior to the shooting. Hull said Robinson could twice be seen approaching a wooded area where the rifle that was allegedly used to kill Kirk was later found wrapped in a towel.Robinson's attorneys questioned law enforcement officials about security preparations ahead of the event and the subsequent investigation, including an unfired bullet and another gun that were found on campus. The defense team called its first witness July 7, questioning the DNA analyst from the Federal Bureau of Investigation about the reliability of a report that links Robinson to the towel and a screwdriver found on the roof where investigators believe the fatal shot was fired.Though the preliminary hearing appears somewhat like a trial with both sides presenting evidence and cross-examining witnesses, there is no jury and it will not determine Robinson's guilt or innocence.Judge Tony Graf must decide whether there is probable cause for Robinson to face trial. Graf has explained that he is required to evaluate the evidence "in the light most favorable to the prosecution."Robinson's defense team indicated on June 26 that they will be calling at least three witnesses. The hearing is scheduled to last through July 10.
