Charlie Kirk’s family attends the trial of the suspect accused of murder

The family of Kirkos, a 31-year-old father of two, released a statement to local media ahead of the Monday-Friday trial.

“Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend and father,” said Kirk’s widow, Erica, his parents, Robert and Catherine, and sister Mary. “Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the irreparable loss it has had on our lives and the lives of his children.”

Kirk’s parents and widow appeared in court separately on Monday.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers and kindness,” the family’s statement continued.

“Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time. We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and our profound grief.”

Defense attorneys have sought to exclude various pieces of evidence in previous hearings and unsuccessfully tried to block cameras from the courtroom in a preliminary hearing that began Monday. He also asked Judge Tony Graf to take the death penalty off the table.

Robinson, dressed in a light-colored suit, sat at the defense table between his lawyers.

Four law enforcement witnesses are expected to take the stand that day, prosecutors said.