Suspect Tyler Robinson, accused of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, admitted to his family and ultimately surrendered before law enforcement. Prior to his surrender, authorities found a rare forensic clue at the crime scene – a “forearm print.”
According to CNBC, FBI agent Robert Bohls stated that investigators found shoe prints, palm prints, and forearm prints at the sniper site at Utah Valley University. Experts explained that these types of prints are often left by gunmen lying prone for an extended period, with their arms pressed against the ground, leaving impressions or residues rarely seen in evidence in criminal cases.
Texas defense attorney and retired military judge Patrick McClain pointed out that this kind of clue is “extremely unusual” and is most likely from sweat or skin residues. Former Los Angeles Police Department consultant Jeff Wenninger noted that if the prints show scars, clothing textures, or tattoos, they can be used for assisting in identity verification, similar to shoe print molds. American investigative consultant Toby Braun added that forearm prints are not as unique as fingerprints, unable to be matched through a database, and can only serve as supporting evidence. With advancements in 3D scanning technology, these prints can reveal more details, including DNA or sebum, but still face challenges in becoming “primary evidence” in court.
Robinson, 22 years old, from Washington City, Utah, currently held on preliminary charges of “aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice” in Utah County Jail in Utah, with formal charges expected to be filed next week. Despite the assistance of high-tech tools, it was interpersonal reporting that ultimately led to his arrest – reportedly, he confessed to his family, and his father and pastor then contacted authorities, leading to his arrest.
As for why Robinson left behind a wealth of evidence including “forearm prints,” former FBI investigator Bryanna Fox believes that some ideologically driven perpetrators are more concerned with sending a message than evading capture. “They don’t want to be caught immediately, but their primary goal is to kill the target individual,” she said.