The investigation into the death of Turning Point USA CEO and co-founder Charlie Kirk has been shrouded in mystery, with many questions and theories surrounding the circumstances of his death.
One point of contention has been the microphone that was pinned underneath Kirk's white Freedom t-shirt, with some speculating that it may have been the deadly weapon. However, the status of the microphone is just one piece of the puzzle, and it highlights the importance of understanding who had control of the evidence in the case.
As the death scene was captured on various social media platforms, it became clear that Kirk's security team moved his body to a waiting black SUV just minutes after the shooting, leaving behind a chaotic crime scene that was subsequently violated by numerous individuals, including TPUSA employees who removed a video camera attached to the tent behind Kirk's seat.
Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith's office was 17 miles from the UVU campus, and 14 miles from the Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where Kirk's body was taken. Despite his jurisdiction over the shooting investigation, Smith's whereabouts and actions following the incident are unknown, leaving many to wonder if he took the necessary steps to secure the crime scene.
It is essential to note that under Utah statutory regulations, the person or persons finding or having custody of the body must immediately notify the nearest law enforcement agency, and the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction must conduct an investigation concerning the cause and circumstances of death.
Smith was also responsible for notifying the district attorney and contacting the medical examiner, who assumes jurisdiction over the deceased body, clothing, biological samples, and any article that may aid in determining the cause of death.
The investigation into Kirk's death is also complicated by the fact that his body was not taken to the crime scene, but rather to the Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where his security team drove him immediately after the shooting. It is unclear if Smith interviewed the men who brought Kirk to the hospital about the whereabouts of the microphone, which may have been recording evidence of the incident.
Additionally, there are rumors that the black SUV that transported Kirk to the hospital has been sold, raising questions about the investigation into the vehicle and whether it was properly secured as evidence.
The success or failure of the alleged shooter's defense, whether Tyler Robinson is executed by lethal injection, depends entirely on whether key Utah state employees, including Smith and the coroner, did their job.
Unfortunately, if the work of the Utah County Coroner is similar to that done in the Butler, PA, assassination attempt, it may not be looking good for Robinson. However, the public can only hope that Smith did his job, as a young man's life hangs in the balance.
