Alleged Colorado Theater Shooter Will Face Death Penalty
James Holmes originally had a not guilty plea entered for him during his arraignment last month, then last week his lawyers offered a deal in which he was willing to plead guilty and spend the rest of his life in prison without parole in order to avoid the death penalty. Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler today rejected the plea deal and said he will seek the death penalty in the case. Holmes is accused of killing 12 moviegoers during a shooting spree last summer at a Cinemark theater midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises. He is charged with 166 counts of murder, attempted murder and other crimes. Brauchler, who said he spoke with victims and others related to the Aurora shooting ahead of making his decision, told the court this morning that “justice is death” just minutes into the hearing.
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