Judge Enters Not Guilty Plea for James Holmes, Aurora Shooting Suspect
A judge on Tuesday entered a "not guilty" plea for James Holmes, the suspect for the Aurora movie theater shooting that took place in July 2012.
Judge William Sylvester entered the plea for Holmes, 25, because his attorney said Holmes wasn't ready to enter a plea, according to The Denver Post. Defense attorney Daniel King reportedly said Holmes would be ready by May or June 1 to please guilty or not guilty, but the prosecutors said they've waited long enough.
"I don't think we could ethically stand before you and tell you we're ready to make a plea," King said, according to the publication.
There is still an option for Holmes' attorney to file a "plea of not guilty by reason of insanity."
Holmes was arraigned in Arapahoe County Court for 166 counts of murder. Holmes was charged for murdering 12 people and attempting to kill 70. The shooting took place while moviegoers were watching a midnight screening of the latest Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises. Holmes was wearing a gas mask and fired multiple firearms inside the movie theater, as well as used tear gas and grenades on the victims.
If convicted Holmes could receive life in prison or be executed, according to ABC 5 News. On April 1 prosecutors will announce whether or not they will seek the death penalty and the trial is scheduled for Aug. 5.
