Dark Knight Shooting: James Holmes' Attorneys Claim He's Mentally Ill

Lawyers say their client tried to get help in the past

By Brandi Fowler Aug 10, 2012 3:45 AMTags
James HolmesRJ Sangosti-Pool/Getty Images

Attorneys representing Dark Knight shooting suspect James Holmes claim their client is mentally ill and tried to get help for his "mental illness" in the past.

The alleged gunman's lawyers made that claim in a hearing Thursday, just weeks after Holmes' allegedly killed 12 people and injured 58 others at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater last month, according to Reuters.

Holmes, who is charged with 142 criminal counts, appeared in court Thursday for the third time since his arrest, reportedly showing up again with the same dazed look he had in court before. 

There were also several news organizations on hand at the hearing, rallying for the judge to unseal documents relating to the July 20 incident and to clarify a gag order placed on attorneys in the case, law enforcement officials and University of Colorado personnel.

Holmes' attorneys argued that releasing the sealed documents could affect the former University of Colorado student's ability to receive a fair trial.

The judge did not rule on the motion to unseal those documents.