Investigators say that digital communications between Tyler Robinson and his 22-year-old roommate, Lance Twiggs, played a key role in locating the suspect in the shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson lived in St. George, Utah, with a partner who is a transgender woman. Authorities confirmed that the partner is cooperating with the investigation and is not facing any charges. Text messages and other communications between Robinson and his partner helped agents find him.

Electronics seized from their apartment were sent to the FBI lab in Quantico for further analysis. Public records show that Lance Twiggs, 22, lived at the same address. A relative confirmed that Twiggs and Robinson were roommates but declined to comment on whether they were romantically involved or about Twiggs’ political views or gender identity. Neighbors reported that the townhouse, which rents for $1,800 a month, appeared empty recently, though cars with out-of-state plates had been seen there about two weeks earlier.

Court documents reveal that Twiggs shared text messages Robinson sent before the shooting. These messages included instructions for picking up a rifle from a drop-off point, details about engraving bullets and adding a scope, and references to changing clothes to avoid being recognized. Robinson’s grandmother denied the allegations, saying he had never shown interest in guns or hunting and doubted he could be a skilled shooter.

Robinson, 22, is being held without bail at Utah County Jail. He faces initial charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. Judge Shawn Rice Howell signed the detention order, noting Robinson has no prior criminal convictions. The FBI recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle near the suspect’s escape route, which will be examined at their laboratory. Investigators also collected shoe prints, a palm print, and forearm imprints for analysis.

Authorities noted that ammunition found near the rifle had engraved phrases referencing internet memes, video games, and online jokes. Experts warn that these inscriptions may have multiple meanings, especially within certain online communities, but their significance is still under investigation. Phrases included controller inputs related to “Helldivers 2,” “Hey, fascist! Catch!,” the song “Bella Ciao,” and a meme from the furry community.

Two federal law enforcement sources told CBS News that Robinson’s father identified him in released photos and confronted him. Robinson reportedly admitted to being the suspect and confessed to killing Kirk. When asked to surrender, Robinson said he would rather take his own life. A youth pastor who is also a court security officer helped calm the situation and alerted the U.S. Marshals Service. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Robinson was taken into custody late Thursday night.

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown told CNN that prosecutors have not yet decided whether to pursue the death penalty but said “everything is on the table.” The case has drawn national attention, with former President Donald Trump and Governor Spencer Cox publicly supporting capital punishment.

Meanwhile, a social media account believed to belong to Robinson’s mother, Amber Jones Robinson, has been deleted. Authorities have not explained why.