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US shooting suspect in court

July 23, 2012

The young man suspected of killing 12 people and injuring 58 others at a movie premiere in Aurora, Colorado, last week has appeared at a preliminary court hearing. If convicted, James Holmes could face the death penalty.

https://p.dw.com/p/15dgs
Colorado shooting suspect James Eagan Holmes sits with public defender Tamara Brady during his first court appearance in Aurora, Colorado, July 23, 2012
Image: Reuters

The 24-year-old sat silently in the courtroom in Centennial, Colorado, as the judge and lawyers discussed procedural matters. His court-appointed attorney spoke for him.

Television footage showed Holmes in a red prison jumpsuit with a bush of hair dyed orange. He seemed to have difficulty keeping his eyes open during the hearing.

At the hearing, which took less than 10 minutes, the judge set no bail and ordered Holmes to remain in police custody.

Next Monday Holmes will be formally arraigned and the charges against him will be read out.

The state prosecutor in charge of the case is expected to call for the death penalty. Due to procedural requirements, that decision is not expected for months.

Holmes was arrested on Friday outside an Aurora movie theater after a shooting rampage. Police say he opened fire in the middle of a screening of the latest "Batman" film, "The Dark Knight Rises."

ncy/mkg (dpa, AFP, Reuters)