Luke Skywalker
Super Moderator
{vb:raw ozzmodz_postquote}:
In this Jan. 15, 2015, file photo, a view of the jury box inside Courtroom 201 where jury selection in the trial of Aurora movie theater shootings defendant James Holmes began on Jan. 20 at the Arapahoe County District Court in Centennial, Colo.(Photo: Brennan Linsley, AP)
CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Jurors late this month will begin hearing the legal arguments against accused theater shooting suspect James Holmes, who faces the death penalty if convicted.
Prosecutors want to execute Holmes in connection with 12 shooting deaths at a suburban Denver movie theater in July 2012.
The Arapahoe District Court on Tuesday seated the 12 jurors who will decide his fate, along with 12 alternates in case any jurors drop out during what is expected to be a months-long trial filled with graphic descriptions of the shooting and aftermath. Opening arguments are set for April 27.
Judge Carlos Samour sternly admonished jurors to avoid the extensive media coverage. Reporters were not permitted to directly observe jury selection, and instead watched the proceedings from a separate room via a camera that didn't show who was selected to serve.
USA TODAY
Judge dismisses ammo suit in Aurora theater shooting
"You have to keep an open mind throughout the trial, remembering that Mr. Holmes is presumed innocent," Samour told the jury after it was sworn in. "Folks, we are depending on you to uphold the oath you have taken."
Arapahoe District Attorney George Brachler and defense attorneys repeatedly hinted at the emotional toll the case will take. About 7,000 prospective jurors were considered for the trial in a winnowing process that took months.
One prospective juror told defense attorney Tamara Brady that he could be fair despite the massive number of charges.
"James' life is on the line and I have to be fair," said the prospective juror. "It's not going to be easy, but few things in life that are easy are worth it."
In this June 4, 2013, file photo Aurora theater shooting defendant James Holmes appears in court in Centennial, Colo.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: Andy Cross, AP)
Holmes' parents say their son suffers from mental illness and previously begged prosecutors to agree to a plea deal that would see him locked up for life and spared execution. Prosecutors have declined, saying they believe only his death can bring justice for the victims and their loved ones.
Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to killing 12 and injuring 63 in the July 2012 shooting at Aurora's Century 16 theater, which was packed with moviegoers watching a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises.
Holmes has undergone two formal — and still confidential — mental-health evaluations.
His lawyers acknowledge their client, a former neuroscience doctoral student, was the lone shooter but said he was gripped in a psychotic episode. They have repeatedly asked Samour to move the trial elsewhere, a move he continues to deny.
USA TODAY
Jury selection in Colo. theater shooting trial inches along
Prosecutors contend Holmes may have been disturbed but knew what he was doing. Police say his apartment was booby trapped with explosives intended to hurt anyone entering it after he left for the theater that night.
Family members of several shooting victims have launched a campaign urging reporters to avoid naming Holmes during their coverage, arguing it gives him notoriety and could spur copycats. They use the Twitter hashtag #nonotoriety to shame reporters they feel mention Holmes' name too often.
The trial is expected to last through August or September.
Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed