CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Jurors in the James Holmes trial have found that prosecutors have proven aggravating factors beyond a reasonable doubt in the Colorado movie theater shooting case, meaning Holmes remains eligible for the death penalty.
Next, the penalty portion of the trial will move to a second phase, giving Holmes’ defense the chance to present mitigating factors as they make a case for the jury to spare Holmes’ life.
Jurors convicted Holmes last week of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder for the July 2012 attack at a suburban Denver movie theater that killed 12 people and injured 70 others.
Holmes’ lawyers are expected to focus on his severe mental illness and could call his parents, a college roommate and former neighbors to testify.
Holmes stood calmly, hands in his pockets, as a judge read the jury’s decision that he is eligible for the death penalty.
Holmes, slightly bearded and wearing a white shirt and khakis, stood beside his attorneys and looked directly at Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr. as the judge read the findings Thursday.
The Associated Press and CNN contributed to this report.
