Jennifer Faumuina Testifies on Evidence Collection in Tyler Robinson Case at Utah Valley University
Enjoying this? Share it with someone who needs to see it.
Up Next
Jennifer Faumuina Details DNA Evidence Collection in Tyler Robinson Trial at Utah Valley University
14:22
Tyler Robinson Preliminary Hearing Day 4: Roommate Lance Twiggs Reveals Robinson Confessed to Killing Charlie Kirk
3:41:34
Tyler Robinson Confessed Five Times to Killing Charlie Kirk, Lance Twiggs Reveals in Court Testimony
6:13
Jennifer Faumuina Testifies on Evidence Collection in Tyler Robinson Case at Utah Valley University
Sergeant Jennifer Faumuina of the Utah Department of Public Safety's State Bureau of Investigation provided detailed testimony regarding evidence collected from multiple crime scenes at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Her testimony covered the collection and processing of critical items including a screwdriver found on the Losee Center rooftop, a Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle wrapped in a dark towel discovered in a wooded area northeast of campus, and the subsequent DNA testing results that linked these items to both Lance Twiggs and defendant Tyler Robinson. Faumuina, who leads the Evidence Response Team, described the chain of custody procedures that led to FBI and ATF laboratory testing of the collected evidence.
Jennifer Faumuina serves as a sergeant with the Utah Department of Public Safety's State Bureau of Investigation. In her role, she leads the Evidence Response Team (ERT) within her division, overseeing both the conducting and attending of specialized training. On September 10, 2025, Faumuina was assigned to oversee crime scenes and physical evidence collection at Utah Valley University.
Evidence Collection at the Losee Center Rooftop
Faumuina testified about evidence collected from the rooftop of the Losee Center at Utah Valley University. Among the items recovered was a screwdriver, which was collected by the Utah Bureau of Forensics Services Crime Scene Response Team, also known as the State Crime Lab. The evidence was properly packaged, and after discussions that evening between Faumuina and FBI representatives, it was decided that the FBI would take custody of the screwdriver. The item was subsequently sent to the FBI's forensic laboratory for testing.
Discovery of Rifle in Wooded Area
In addition to the rooftop scene, Faumuina oversaw the processing of other areas near Utah Valley University campus. In a wooded area northeast of the campus, investigators discovered a long gun—specifically identified as a Mauser 98 rifle with a .30-06 caliber barrel and bolt-action mechanism. The rifle was wrapped in a dark-colored towel when found.
When asked to explain what a bolt-action rifle is, Faumuina acknowledged she wasn't extremely familiar with firearms but explained it involves a bolt that must be pulled back to operate the weapon. The rifle and towel were both documented in place, photographed, and then the gun was rendered safe before being packaged along with the towel.
Chain of Custody and Laboratory Testing
The evidence collected was distributed to different federal laboratories for analysis. The screwdriver and towel were provided to the FBI laboratory, while the rifle was taken into FBI custody before being sent to the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) laboratory for examination.
Faumuina confirmed receiving reports back from the testing conducted on these items. The FBI report, signed by Amanda Baker, documented DNA testing results on the screwdriver (identified as "item eight, screwdriver from perch") and the towel (identified as "item seven, towel from around Mauser rifle serial number 8863").
DNA Testing Results
The DNA analysis revealed significant findings on both items. For the towel (item 7-1), male DNA was obtained and interpreted as originating from two individuals, one of whom was identified as Lance Twiggs. According to the report, the DNA results were 1.7 octillion times more likely if both Twiggs and T. Robinson were contributors than if Twiggs and an unknown, unrelated person were contributors.
Similarly, swabs taken from the handle area of the screwdriver (item 8-1) contained male DNA interpreted as originating from two individuals, one of whom was Twiggs. The DNA results from the screwdriver handle were 30 quintillion times more likely if Twiggs and T. Robinson were contributors than if Twiggs and an unknown, unrelated person were contributors.
DNA Sample Collection Process
Faumuina explained how DNA samples were obtained from both Lance Twiggs—identified as a roommate of defendant Tyler Robinson—and from Robinson himself. Law enforcement officers collected DNA from both individuals using buccal swabs, which Faumuina described as essentially Q-tips or swabs placed inside someone's mouth to scrub the inside and obtain cells. These swabs were then packaged and sent to the laboratory for testing and comparison against the DNA found on the evidence items.
Court Proceedings
During the testimony, defense attorney Mr. Burke raised a cumulative objection under Rule 403, arguing that having Faumuina read the report aloud was unnecessary since the analysts who conducted the testing would be testifying and the report was already in evidence. The court overruled the objection but instructed that only a brief overview would be allowed, not a line-by-line reading.
State's Exhibit 31—the FBI report—was moved into evidence by prosecutor Mr. McBride and admitted by the court with permission to publish it to both the court and the public, including broadcasting on the courtroom monitor and camera. The defense reserved the right to cross-examine Faumuina after she completed her full testimony, and she was excused from the courtroom while remaining under oath.
