Theater Shooter Charged; Prosecutor Plans Two Fold Strategy

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Category: Crime

Published on Saturday, 11 August 2012 23:02

Written by Janet Walker

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Accused theater shooter James Holmes was officially charged for the crimes committed during the midnight screening of the Warner Bros film, "The Dark Knight Rises."

Prosecutors charged the 24 year-old former, University of Colorado Neurosciences, doctoral candidate with 142 separate charges including 24 counts of murder, two for each victim mortally wounded during the shooting rampage and additional 116 attempted murder charges for the surviving 58 victims.

Prosecutors plan to block any attempts by the defense lawyers, who have yet to issue a statement, to use an Insanity Defense, that would effectively derail the juridical process and block justice for those lives he systemically snuffed out.

Additional charges stemming from the midnight massacre include gun related as well as other yet to be determined charges potentially for any person in attendance.  As his actions displayed depraved indifference, reckless endangerment and wanton cruelty, the possibility presents itself to include other charges that fit the boundaries of the crime.

Mr. Holmes is being held in the Arapahoe County Jail pending trial.

There has since been a gag order issued and no further information regarding this case will be given. According to Chief Daniel Oates, of the Aurora Police Department, offered the following statement in response to the court orders: “The Police Department’s highest priority is the successful prosecution of this case. We are determined to achieve justice for the victims. We are well aware of the media and public interest in this case, but we ask for patience and understanding. Because of these orders, we simply cannot make any further comment. All of us must await the outcome of our judicial process.”

Several organized charities have been created to deal with the outpouring of support. If you would like to aid the victims and/or survivors donations can be made via this link:  GivingFirst.org.

Specific donations of food and non-monetary donations can be directed to Michal Lawson via this link: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Large “restricted” or specific monetary donations can be directed to Jason Batchelor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Information contained within this article was obtained through the Aurora Police Department