Former Roommate Lance Twigs Did Not Report Murder Confession Despite Multiple Opportunities
"He did not call law enforcement. Lance Twigs did not call the cops. Didn't call him on 9/10, didn't call him on 9/11 when he got that message from Tyler. He didn't call him when he saw Tyler walking around the house and Reed double down on the confession. They had to go to him after Tyler turned himself in."
About this episode
Host Megyn Kelly and legal analysts Dave Arinberg, Mark Eiglarsh, and Viva Frei dissected testimony from a preliminary hearing in the Tyler Robinson murder case, focusing on compelling evidence presented by Robinson's former roommate and lover, Lance Twigs. The panel analyzed Twigs's video testimony in which he described receiving confessional messages from Robinson the day after the shooting and witnessing Robinson at their shared apartment. Robinson allegedly confessed at least three to four times through various means: a handwritten note hidden under a keyboard, text messages to Twigs, a Discord post made before surrendering to police, and statements to his parents. The evidence presented appears to establish probable cause for the case to proceed to trial, though conspiracy theories continue to circulate online suggesting Robinson was framed. The analysts debated Twigs's credibility and potential legal jeopardy, noting that while he appeared sincere, his failure to contact law enforcement and the discovery of his DNA on evidence could theoretically support accessory charges. The prosecution addressed alternate theories during questioning, particularly establishing the timeline showing Robinson posted his Discord confession before arriving at the sheriff's office, not while in custody as some had claimed. Legal analyst Viva Frei expressed continued suspicion that others in Robinson's Discord community may have had advance knowledge of the crime. The panel also discussed the unconventional communication style between Robinson and Twigs, noting their exchanges reflected their identities as young gamers in the furry community. Eiglarsh suggested the remorseful tone in Robinson's messages might make him more likely to accept a life sentence plea deal rather than seek publicity through trial.
Key takeaways
- Tyler Robinson's former roommate Lance Twigs testified that Robinson confessed to murder at least three to four times through notes, texts, Discord posts, and statements to parents.
- Twigs appeared in court via video wearing a suit and testified credibly according to multiple legal analysts, despite online conspiracy theories claiming Robinson was framed.
- Lance Twigs failed to contact police after receiving Robinson's confession via text message on the day after the shooting, despite multiple opportunities to do so.
- Twigs's DNA was found on a screwdriver and towel recovered with the rifle, though experts noted this could have innocent explanations given they lived together.
- Prosecutors established Robinson posted his Discord confession at 7:57 p.m. before arriving at the sheriff's office at 9:00 p.m., refuting claims he was in custody during the post.
- Legal analysts agreed the preliminary hearing established probable cause for the case to proceed to trial, regardless of conspiracy theories circulating online.
- Robinson's remorseful tone in his confessional messages may make him more likely to accept a life sentence plea deal rather than seek a public trial.