Breaking: Aurora Theatre Shooter James Holmes Guilty On All Counts, Faces Death Penalty

Breaking: Aurora Theatre Shooter James Holmes Guilty On All Counts, Faces Death Penalty

On Tuesday evening, July 14, 2015, after three very long months of testimony, 200 witnesses and nearly 22 hours of interviews; the jury for the Aurora Theatre shooting received the case and began deliberations. They had to decide if James Holmes was legally insane at the time of the shooting. If he is found legally insane, then Holmes will be committed to a state mental hospital indefinitely. If they don’t find him legally insane, then they must find him either guilty or innocent.

James Holmes in white shirt and glasses on far left
James Holmes in white shirt and glasses on far left

Below is the list of the murder counts the jury had to review during their deliberations:

Counts 1 through 12

First-degree murder – after deliberation

The full formal charge, which will be read aloud in court is: “On or about 7/20/2012, James Eagan Holmes unlawfully, feloniously, after intent to cause the death of a person other than himself, caused the death of [VICTIM]; in violation of section 18-3-102(1)(a), C.R.S.”
This is the first of two theories of murder being charged. It means he planned to kill the victim, then he did.
Counts 13 through 24

First-degree murder – extreme indifference

This is the second of two theories of murder being charged. In layman’s terms, it means he maliciously did something that could kill a person, and then he killed a person.
The full formal charge, which will be read aloud in court is: “On or about 7/20/2012, James Eagan Holmes unlawfully and feloniously, under circumstances evidencing an attitude of universal malice manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life generally, knowingly engaged in conduct which created a grave risk of death to persons other than himself, and thereby caused the death of [VICTIM]; in violation of section 18-3-102(1)(d), C.R.S.”
Counts 25 through 94

Attempted first-degree murder – after deliberation

Similar to the murder charges, one of two theories. This one similar to counts 1-12.
One charge for each of the 70 injured victims.
Counts 95 through 164

Similar to the murder charges, one of two theories. This one similar to counts 13-24.
One charge for each of the 70 injured victims.
Count 165

Possession of an explosive or incendiary device

This charge stems from Holmes booby-trapping his apartment with an elaborate setup of explosive material.

After just 13 hours of deliberations, the jury has returned its verdict. They rejected James Holmes insanity plea and have found him GUILTY on all counts. Now the jury will have to decide whether Holmes should receive the death penalty or be sentenced to life in prison.   

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