Fresh questions surrounding the Tyler Robinson case have surfaced after conservative commentator Candace Owens criticized how investigators handled a phone that was presented during court proceedings. Her remarks followed the circulation of courtroom images showing text messages that prosecutors say were exchanged between Robinson and Lance Twiggs, adding another layer to an already closely watched case.
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Candace Owens reacts after courtroom images of Lance Twiggs' phone surface
The latest discussion began after journalist Andrew Kolvet shared images from court that allegedly showed text conversations between Tyler Robinson and Lance Twiggs. In his post, Kolvet wrote:
"Here are images of the text messages exchanged between Tyler Robinson and Lance Twiggs which includes his confession and attempt to retrieve his rifle."
The images, captured from courtroom displays, quickly spread across social media. They prompted Owens to question why the phone itself was not immediately collected and preserved as evidence. In a strongly worded post on X, she wrote:
"They police just took a pic of the Lance’s phone, guys! Biggest assasination since JFK and they decided not to collect it and store it into evidence. Just trusted him and took a couple of cute pics for insta.
And now Lance has immunity.
And of course the judge ruled that the defense did not need to examine these messages for authenticity at this stage of the hearing.
It’s just not necessary at this stage- got it?
Enjoy your Fed slop!"
Her comments fueled debate online, with supporters arguing that the handling of digital evidence deserves closer scrutiny, while others cautioned that isolated courtroom images do not necessarily reflect the full investigative process.
Tyler Robinson case draws renewed focus on digital evidence
The courtroom images shared online appear to show screenshots of conversations displayed during legal proceedings. However, the social media posts themselves do not establish the complete chain of custody, how the messages were obtained, or what additional forensic examination may have taken place behind the scenes.
Owens also pointed out that, according to reports, the judge ruled that the defense did not have to test the messages for authenticity at that point in the hearing. Those questions of admissibility and authentication of digital evidence can be overcome at different points in a criminal case, depending on the court’s schedule and practices, legal observers often say.
As the case continues its journey through the judicial system, many of the claims being tossed around online are still subjects of courtroom debate, not established fact. Prosecution and defense are expected to continue presenting evidence as the proceedings unfold.
For now, the viral posts have drawn public attention to how investigators documented phone evidence, and how digital communications may play out in the case going forward. Those concerns have been amplified on social media, but the court will ultimately make the final assessment of the evidence as the legal process continues.
