Colorado Shooting Suspect in Court Charged With 24 Counts of Murder

Media, World News | admin | July 30, 2012 at 7:49 pm

Colorado Shooting Suspect in Court Charged With 24 Counts of Murder: The screening of the much awaited Batman movie in Denver, Colorado had turned into reality horror when a gas-mask clad youngster opened fire in the theater. After weeks of manipulation and investigation, 24 year old former graduate student James Holmes faced his second court appearance on Monday, July 30.

During the court hearing Holmes was formally charged with 24 counts of first degree murder and 116 counts of attempted murder. The massacre took place after he opened fire at a large crowd of people around midnight, killing 12 innocent people and leaving over 58 injured.

James Holmes appeared at the court hearing wearing jail attire, looking gloomy. His unruly hair was still dyed orange; however it faded to a light coral in some places. James sat with his two defense attorneys, emotionless, throughout the 45 minutes of court hearing.

James’ first court appearance since his arrest was held exactly one week ago. The courtroom was brimming with relatives of the victims and media personnel; as James answered in the affirmative when he was asked whether he could comprehend the charges against him.

For each victim of the massacre Holmes was charged with two murder counts. The two counts included one general murder charge (first degree) and one count of murder with extreme indifference. In total he was charged with 142 criminal counts – he received an extra criminal charge for possessing an explosive device and displaying extreme violence.

Investigators of the matter are still looking for any evidence to aid them in the matter. According to reports the team is looking for a parcel that Holmes sent to a psychiatrist named Dr. Lynne Fenton.

James Holmes is a doctoral student of neuroscience at the Anschutz campus of his university in San Diego. He filed paperwork to drop out of university in June; critics say that Holmes suffered from an emotional disorder.