James Holmes: Colorado Theater Shooter Formally Sentenced To Life In Prison
James Holmes was formally sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday afternoon. The Colorado theater shooter was convicted and sentenced by a jury in July. One month later, Judge Carlos Samour Jr. confirmed the jury’s decision.
On July 20, 2012, James Eagan Holmes entered the Aurora Century 16 multiplex during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises. Approximately 30 minutes into the film, he left the theater through the exit door and returned with an arsenal of weapons.
As reported by Los Angeles Times, audience members originally thought they were victims of an elaborate hoax — as Holmes “appeared to be in a costume, wearing body armor and a gas mask.” Unfortunately, the scene soon turned into one of the deadliest massacres in history.
According to witness reports, James Holmes released two grenade-like canisters — which emitted a noxious gas. He then proceeded to open fire.
Authorities later confirmed the suspect used a total of three weapons during the assault, including a Glock 22 40 caliber handgun, a Remington 870 Express 12-gauge shotgun, and a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic rifle.
As reported by KJRH, “the Aurora Police Department and FBI counted evidence of 240 ballistic impacts during their investigation of the Aurora movie theater shooting.”
Although employees attempted to evacuate the venue, a total of 70 people were injured, and 12 were killed in the Colorado theater shooting.
James Egan Holmes was eventually located inside his vehicle, which was parked outside the theater when authorities arrived. He immediately surrendered and was arrested without incident.
The Colorado theater shooter was subsequently charged with 165 criminal counts, including 24 counts of first-degree murder. Although he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, he was later determined to be fit to stand trial.
Colorado theater shooter James Holmes formally sentenced to life in prison without parole http://t.co/ktBiF683hd pic.twitter.com/ESGKRRy3YF
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 26, 2015
As reported by The Denver Post, Arapahoe County district attorney George Brauchler sought the death penalty. However, questions about James Holmes’ mental health may have spared his life.
On July 16, the Colorado theater shooter was convicted on 140 counts of attempted first-degree murder, 24 counts of first-degree murder, and one count of possessing explosives. He was further found to be eligible for the death penalty.
On July 22, after deliberating for seven hours, the jury announced their decision to sentence James Holmes to life in prison without the possibility of parole. It was later revealed that the Colorado theater shooter’s life was spared by one juror, who questioned the defendant’s mental health.
On Wednesday, Judge Carlos Samour Jr. confirmed the Jury’s decision. James Holmes was formally sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole — plus 3,318 additional years.
[Image via Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images]
