The "Joker" Has Been Charged With 24 Counts Of Murder
James Holmes has been formally charged with 24 counts of first degree murder in the shooting massacre at an Aurora, Colorado theater.
For each person who died as a result of the shooting, a total of 12, there are two charges of first degree murder. Those are in addition to 116 counts of attempted murder. Again, two for each of the injured, total of 58.
According to CNN, Holmes appeared to be “calm and frail” during his hearing on Monday where the charges were made official. He was escorted by two deputies while in shackles and waist chains, with another five deputies stationed inside the courtroom. The hearing lasted 45 minutes, and the gallery was filled with victims and families of victims in the shooting. There were more watching a video feed in an overflow room in the courthouse.
There has been no official decision as to whether the prosecution will seek the death penalty in this case. They plan on getting in put from the victims and their families before reviewing the other evidence and making a decision.
CNN reports that the defense filed a motion which led to the disclosure of information stating that Holmes was treated by a University of Colorado psychiatrist prior to the shooting. The defense is attempting to keep information sent to the treating doctor confidential under doctor patient confidentiality.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12, and testimony is expected to be heard. The prosecution will be giving thousands of pages of discovery to the defense this week. The defense will need to review all of it prior to the hearing.
Holmes acknowledged that he does understand what is going on. The judge asked him if he understood why his attorneys were asking for extra time before the hearing, and he replied “yes”. He was very soft spoken and looked defeated according to statements made by victims and families to CNN.
