A body language expert has analysed footage of Tyler Robinson in court and has made an interesting observation about his forehead.
Robinson, the man who stands accused of killing Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance yesterday (December 11).
Although Robinson did not speak, his every move was watched closely.
Body Language Expert Analyses Tyler Robinson
Robinson appeared in court wearing formal attire for a hearing, where cameras captured his facial expressions.
Scott Rouse, a seasoned interrogator and body language analyst who advises law enforcement and legal teams, was asked by 2News to weigh in on what he saw.
Rouse said one thing stood out right away - Robinson didn’t seem all that bothered.
He said Robinson’s apparent lack of concern stood out to him.
The 22-year-old, accused of fatally shooting Kirk at Utah Valley University, even cracked a few small smiles while chatting with his attorneys — a reaction Rouse found questionable.
"That's the only thing I looked and went, 'He shouldn't be doing that,’” Rouse said.
While it’s not uncommon for defense teams to encourage clients to remain calm or composed, Rouse said the courtroom is not the place for levity when facing a murder charge.
"I don't know what could be found funny during that situation,” he said. “It would be a little tough for me to think something up, but apparently they're trying to alleviate some of the stress for him."
Tyler Robinson in his first in-person court appearance Thursday. Credit: Pool / Getty
Subtle clues hint at strained attorney-client bond
Another detail Rouse pointed out was the dynamic between Robinson and his legal team — or rather, the lack of one.
"Their body language isn't the type where you want to get close to them, or you're touching, they're not leaning the way they should lean if they knew him really well,” he said. "I don't see any connection with them."
That disconnect could suggest Robinson and his lawyers haven’t had much time to build rapport, or that they’re simply not meshing — something, according to Rouse, that shows up in physical cues more than people realize.
Robinson's body language has been analyzed. Credit: Pool / Getty
No signs of grief or worry, expert says
Despite the high stakes, Robinson didn’t exhibit what Rouse calls the “grief muscle” — a telltale sign of deep concern that usually appears right above the bridge of the nose and on the forehead.
"These two muscles pull together, and this muscle pulls down,” Rouse explained, referencing the area between the eyebrows. "I don't see any of that. I don't see any grief muscle that lets us know he's really, really worried about anything, and no concern."