Charlie Kirk murder suspect Tyler Robinson is seen LAUGHING in court just a few feet away from sobbing widow Erika

By NATASHA ANDERSON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 19:06, 6 July 2026 | Updated: 19:29, 6 July 2026 Charlie Kirk's accused killer Tyler Robinson was seen laughing in court as the conservative star's widow Erika wept just feet away.  Erika Kirk, dressed in all black, faced her husband's alleged murderer for the first time Monday morning as he appeared before a Utah judge for a five-day preliminary hearing. She had burst into tears before the hearing even started, according to the Daily Mail's reporter in the courtroom. She was accompanied by her rarely-seen in-laws, Robert and Kathryn Kirk. Donald Trump Jr and his wife, Bettina Anderson Trump, showed up to support the sobbing widow and were seated in the front row. Robinson, however, is said to have been laughing with his attorney Kathy Nester ahead of the proceeding, which will determine if he has to stand trial for Kirk's murder. The 23-year-old is charged with aggravated murder in the September 10 assassination of Kirk, who was shot dead while addressing a crowd of thousands during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. The accused killer turned himself in after the shooting and prosecutors allege that he also sent a text message confession to his transgender partner. He has not entered a plea in the case and attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence. The defense has sought to get the death penalty taken off the table. Erika Kirk is seen walking into the Utah court house Monday morning where she faced her husband's alleged killer for the first time Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the September 10 assassination of Kirk, who was shot dead while addressing a crowd of thousands during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University Kirk's parents and his widow all left the courtroom shortly after Utah Valley University police officer Chris Bagley began testifying about the moments the Turning Point USA founder was shot. Bagley said he could see Kirk's right side as he spoke on the college campus on September 10 last year.  Kirk was in the middle of answering a question when the officer heard a gunshot ring out. He saw people fleeing the area before police confirmed that they had had a suspect in custody over the radio. Bagley began assessing the crowd for injuries as he worked to 'preserve the crime scene.' The officer told the court that there was a clear 'line of sight' from where Kirk was sat to the top of the Losee Center, where Robinson allegedly fired his rifle. Kathryn Kirk, clutching a pocket-sized packet of tissues, listened to the testimony with her head bowed and eyes closed. Erika leaned her head on a friend for comfort as the testimony was delivered. Robinson looked at the exhibits on the monitor and took notes. Erika was accompanied by Charlie's parents Robert and Kathryn Kirk Charlie Kirk speaks to a crowd during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 before he was shot dead The Kirks plan to attend the entire weeklong pretrial hearing for Robinson. Ahead of the hearing, the family released a statement saying his death 'irrevocably impacted our lives.' 'Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death, and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children,' Erika said in the statement shared on X. This week's hearing marks the most significant presentation of evidence in Robinson's case so far.  After the hearing concludes, state District Judge Tony Graf must determine if the case should proceed.  The judge previously denied a defense request to take the death penalty off the table after he held a prosecutor in contempt.  A death sentence is an option in Utah only when a crime has aggravating circumstances.  Prosecutors will argue in Robinson's case that Kirk's shooting endangered others in attendance. Erika and Charlie Kirk with their two children This week's resembles a mini-trial, but prosecutors need only demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk.  The standard is lower than for a trial, where prosecutors must prove guilt 'beyond a reasonable doubt.' Prosecutors can use secondhand information, or hearsay, to help present their case. They expect to present between 40 and 50 exhibits during this week's hearing. Chief Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander told the judge that the state's exhibits will include several videos of the September 10 shooting. Prosecutors have said they also plan to present DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon, autopsy findings and witness statements. Robinson's roommate and transgender lover is not expected to testify in person during the hearing. But the roommate's recorded testimony could be a focal point for prosecutors. In addition to the alleged confession note, Robinson reportedly texted his roommate that he targeted Kirk because he 'had enough of his hatred,' prosecutors have said. Before his death, Kirk and the organization he co-founded, Turning Point USA, galvanized the conservative youth vote to help President Donald Trump win a second term. The Republican president has said he hopes Robinson receives the death penalty. Erika Kirk said during her husband's memorial service that she forgives Robinson.