Erika Kirk left the courtroom as an officer described the moment her husband Charlie was killed on the first day of a preliminary hearing for his accused killer.Tyler Robinson, 23, is facing multiple charges, including aggravated murder, over the shooting death of the conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in September. Ten months on from the killing, Robinson came face-to-face with Mr Kirk’s widow for the first time as his five-day preliminary trial got underway at the Fourth District Courthouse in Utah on Monday, US time (Tuesday AEST). Robinson, who faces the death penalty if convicted, appeared stoic and was dressed in a grey suit with his wrists shackled in the courtroom, the New York Postreports. Ms Kirk, dressed in black, was seen wiping away tears while she sat with her parents-in-law, Robert and Kathryn Kirk. US President Donald Trump’s oldest son Donald Trump Jr was also in attendance. According to the publication, Ms Kirk was seen leaving the courtroom as Utah Valley University officer Chris Bagley recalled hearing the sound of a rifle and seeing Mr Kirk collapse at the campus event. According to the New York Times, she returned to court after taking a break. During his testimony, Mr Bagley told the court he found an apparent “sniper pad” on a gravel rooftop near where Mr Kirk was assassinated, Associates Press reports. “You’ve got markings of elbows, knees and feet,” he said of the apparent sniper pad. Ms Kirk and other members of the family released a statement on social media before the hearing, acknowledging the “darkest days of our lives”.“Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father. 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,” the statement read. “We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives. Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time.”The hearing will continue throughout the week, with Judge Tony Graf to determine if there is enough evidence for Robinson to face trial.Mr Kirk, a 31-year-old father-of-two, was fatally shot in the neck while on stage speaking in front of a crowd of 3000 people during a speaking event at the university on September 10. His Turning Point USA organisation was key to mobilising young people to vote for Mr Trump, with his death sending shockwaves through US politics and sparking weeks of debate. Investigators say Robinson – raised Mormon in a Republican household – murdered Mr Kirk because he could not tolerate the “hate” he preached. Detectives say Robinson confessed to the murder in text messages sent to his roommate and romantic partner.Robinson, who turned himself in the day after the shooting, has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice and witness tampering.He has not yet entered a plea and faces the death penalty if convicted. – With AFP