Posted By: KLKN Newsroom
8@klkntv.com
Accused movie theater shooter James Holmes was charged with 24 counts of first degree murder Monday.
Prosecutors charged Holmes with two counts for each of the people he is accused of killing during an alleged shooting spree at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado., on July 20.
The 24-year-old PhD student is accused of a mass killing in which he sprayed three weapons' full of ammunition into a crowded movie theater during the midnight premiere screening of the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." Twelve people were killed and 58 were wounded in the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
On Monday morning, he was officially read his charges in Aurora District Court. Each death carried two separate murder charges, one for showing premeditation and one for showing extreme indifference to life. Both of the charges carry the death penalty as a possible sentence.
Holmes appeared in court wearing a maroon colored jumpsuit, his hair still dyed an orange-pink color, and his loopy mannerisms similar to his first appearance in court. Throughout the hearing, Holmes' eyes sporadically grew wider as he raised his eyebrows, stared blankly around the room, and then stared down into his lap.
He spoke once, when the judge asked him whether he wanted to waive his right to a preliminary hearing within 30 days, answering simply, "Yes."
Holmes was also charged with 116 counts of attempted first degree murder, as well as one count of possessing an explosive device and one count of violent crime. The suspect faces a total of 142 criminal charges.
Prosecutor Carol Chambers asked the judge to read aloud the various penalties associated with each count, including possibilities of prison time, life in prison, even death. Holmes was quiet while the penalties were read, but seemed focus intently on the speaker for the only time in his court appearances.
Prosecutors will have 60 days from the date of the arraignment to decide if they will seek the death sentence for Holmes.
James Holmes
