HAY RIVER - All eyes focused on Emrah Bulatci as he was led into a Hay River courtroom on June 16.

Among those watching at the preliminary inquiry was Jodie Worden, the young widow of the RCMP constable who Bulatci is accused of shooting to death last fall.

Guarded by RCMP officers, Emrah Bulatci leaves the Hay River Courthouse on June 16 following the first day of a preliminary inquiry into a charge of first degree murder. Bulatci is charged with the shooting death of an RCMP constable in October. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Bulatci is charged with first degree murder of Const. Christopher Worden, who was killed on Oct. 6, 2007.

Jodie Worden and the parents, brothers and sister of the fallen constable were sitting in the front row of the public gallery in the courtroom.

Flanked by two RCMP officers, Bulatci - wearing a dark suit - entered from the front of the courtroom and walked to a protective glass booth as the courtroom fell into silence.

The inquiry before Territorial Court Judge Bernadette Schmaltz will determine if there is enough evidence to send the 23-year-old Alberta man to trial.

Testimony is subject to a publication ban.

Bulatci was expressionless as he listened to the testimony, only glancing back briefly at the public gallery.

Jodie Worden and the Worden family were also expressionless, occasionally looking at Bulatci.

Neither Jodie Worden nor other family members would talk to the media, but released a short written statement.

The family said it is aware of the publication ban and does not wish to make a lengthy statement that could jeopardize court proceedings.

"We are attending this inquiry as a family to support one another, have questions answered and to provide a voice for Chris," the statement reads.

The statement added the family anticipates difficult moments in the process, that it will take time, "and we are prepared for that."

The family also expressed thanks to Hay River for its "tremendous" support.

Tight security guarded the proceedings. Anyone entering the courtroom passed through a metal detector and had their belongings searched.

There was also a heavy police presence, including plain clothes RCMP officers.

After last week's sitting, the preliminary inquiry is scheduled to resume June 30 and July 2 to 4.

Court proceedings - the first in Hay River related to the case - rekindled painful memories in the community where the murder of Const. Worden took place.

"I think it's a very difficult subject for people to talk about," said Beatrice Lepine, who set up a crime prevention committee following the shooting.

She said the "incredible sadness" the community feels over the death of Const. Worden has intensified since the inquiry began.

Lepine, who attended a few days of the proceedings, said she was amazed by the composure of the Worden family - that they were able to sit in the same room with Bulatci.

She was also surprised there were not more Hay River residents in the courtroom.

Rather than indicating a lack of interest in the trial, she believes some people may misunderstand a publication ban as meaning the public is not allowed to attend.

The courtroom was about three-quarters full on the first day of the preliminary inquiry.

Hay River resident Gord Bolt plans to attend all the preliminary inquiry's proceedings.

"I knew Chris. That's the main reason," said Bolt, a retiree and auxiliary constable with the RCMP.

Bolt said he wanted to see Bulatci, but didn't know what to expect. "He doesn't look like a typical criminal, all dressed up in his suit."

Hay River Mayor Jean-Marc Miltenberger said Const. Worden's murder is still fresh in the minds of residents and the preliminary inquiry is intensifying people's feelings.

"It's such an emotional thing," the mayor said, adding that the preliminary inquiry is part of a process that will help the community move forward.