Erika Kirk is preparing to confront difficult evidence this week as the murder trial of her husband, Charlie Kirk, brings her face-to-face with the accused, Tyler Robinson, for a crucial court hearing.
“This week will be challenging for everyone involved,” said a source aware of the circumstances. Friends and family of Charlie Kirk are expected to attend the five-day evidence hearing set to take place in Provo, Utah, where Tyler Robinson will be in court.
“The evidence presented may compel the family to exit the courtroom,” the source added. “That’s entirely their choice, and they will decide how to proceed during the court sessions.”
In Utah, a preliminary hearing allows prosecutors to showcase their evidence against the defendant to help the judge determine if enough probable cause exists to proceed to trial. This hearing takes the place of a grand jury indictment in the state’s legal proceedings.
The hearing, which begins on Monday, is set to include graphic video footage of the public assassination, alongside autopsy evidence, all of which will be presented to Judge Tony Graf for consideration.
It was not immediately clear if the photos of Kirk’s body would be displayed.
Lawyers on both sides have agreed to give warnings to Kirk’s loved ones so they can decide whether to leave the courtroom during those disturbing portions of the proceeding.
Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk, 31, from long range while he was speaking in front of a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10.
The 23-year-old gunman allegedly admitted to the shooting in messages with his trans lover Lance Twiggs, which are expected to be presented at the hearing, according to prosecutors.
Included in the evidence is likely to be a recorded interview that Twiggs underwent.
The 22-year-old former roommate of Robinson’s sat down with prosecutors on April 20 to discuss Robinson.
Twiggs — who was spotted laying low with family in Texas earlier this year — was given limited immunity for that interview.
Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted. He has yet to enter a plea in the case.