Community Corner

Accused Shooter James Holmes Makes First Court Appearance

A Colorado district attorney said she is consulting victims' families about whether they want her to pursue the death penalty. Do you think she should?

 

James Holmes, the accused shooter who killed 12 and injured 58 in the Aurora, Colo. shooting late Thursday night, appeared in court Monday morning on arraignment.

As CBS News reported, Holmes had haphazardly-dyed orange and red hair, and appeared to look "dazed" and "bleary-eyed" as he listened to the judge, who informed Holmes that he will likely face charges of first-degree murder and, "clearly" there would be no bail, due to the severity of the charges against him.

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In a video of Holmes' courtroom appearance from Fox News affiliate KDVR out of Denver, Holmes' state public defender, attorney Tamara Brady, sat next to Holmes, looking very serious and concerned.

According to CBS News, Holmes has been being held in an Arapahoe County detention facility since being taken into custody Friday morning at the movie theater. According to CBS, Holmes is refusing to cooperate with authorities, and "it could take months to learn what prompted the mass shooting."

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CBS also reports that 18th Judicial District Attorney Carol Chambers said Monday her office is considering pursuing the death penalty against Holmes. 

The families of at least five victims were in attendance at Holmes' court appearance Monday.

Chambers told CBS the decision whether to pursue the death penalty "will be made in consultation with the victims' families."

See video of Holmes' court appearance on KDVR's website here.

PATCH WANTS TO KNOW - Do you think the death penalty should be pursued against James Holmes? Tell us in the comments below.

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