The family of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk is about to get a front-row seat to the legal process, and it's not going to be a pleasant one. Erika Kirk, his widow, along with his parents, will attend next week's preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with fatally shooting Kirk during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University. This marks the first major hearing Kirk's relatives have shown up for, so expect tissues and possibly some earplugs.

The hearing, expected to last about a week, will feature prosecutors calling witnesses to establish probable cause - basically the legal equivalent of showing your work before you can take it to trial. But here's the kicker: the hearing may include graphic images and video of Kirk's death, which, if you've been on the internet, you've probably already seen way too much of. Lawyers have reportedly agreed to give family members a heads-up about the sensitive stuff and let them step out before it's shown. Because nothing says "respectful" like a pre-arranged exit strategy.

Other evidence includes video testimony from Robinson's roommate and former romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, who has since moved out of state. Twiggs was given limited immunity for his statements after Robinson allegedly confessed to shooting Kirk in conversations and messages. So, basically, the roommate got a "get out of jail free" card for spilling the beans.

There's a chance the whole thing gets pushed back, because the Utah Supreme Court is considering an appeal over Judge Tony Graf's decision to allow news cameras in the court. Robinson's team wants to ban cameras; Erika Kirk opposes that, presumably because she wants the world to see justice served - or at least, the legal system doing its thing.

Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA and an ally of President Trump. Since his death, his wife has taken over the organization. Robinson may face the death penalty, which is about as serious as it gets. Stay tuned for a legal drama that's equal parts tragic and procedural.