James Holmes to stand trial, arraignment delayed, man shouts ‘Rot in hell Holmes’
The Judge in the James Holmes case ruled Thursday that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence at a preliminary hearing to proceed toward trial on charges that James Holmes killed 12 people and injured 70 others at a suburban Denver movie theater on July 20.
James Holmes in court photo screenshot video http://www.wptv.com
Judge William Sylvester did also announced Holmes would not have to enter a plea on his charges of murder and attempted murder until March, the crowd of family and victims became noticeably angry.
One man shouted ‘Rot in Hell, Holmes!’ after the judge delayed the alleged mass shooter’s arraignment.
Steve Hernandez’s daughter Rebecca Wingos was killed during the slaughter in an Aurora, Colorado movie theater last summer during a premiere of the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises.”
The judge reconvened the proceeding to talk to Hernandez, who apologized and promised there would be no more outbursts. The judge was sympathetic.
“I am terribly sorry for your loss and I can only begin to imagine the emotions that are raging,'”Sylvester told him.
Defense lawyers didn’t say why they wanted to delay entering a plea.
Prosecutors objected to the delay and said they were ready to move ahead.
Sylvester said he understood their position but wanted to make sure he did not do anything that could lay the grounds for an appeal.
“We want to avoid at all costs doing anything improper,” the judge said.
Following the hearing, District Attorney George Brauchler, who took office this week, didn’t specifically address the delay but said he wanted to ‘protect the interests of all involved in this case.’
If Holmes, 25, is convicted of first-degree murder, he could face the death penalty.
