Dark Knight Rises Tragedy: Aurora Shooting Suspect James Holmes Charged With 142 Counts

James Holmes is charged with 24 counts of murder in the first degree and 116 counts of attempt to commit murder in the first degree

By Baker Machado Jul 30, 2012 5:11 PMTags
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James Holmes literally had the book thrown at him today, as  the alleged shooter in the horrific Aurora, Colo., tragedy was charged with 142 counts from the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.

The charges include 24 counts of murder in the first degree, 116 counts of attempt to commit murder in the first degree and one count of possession of an explosive device. (The 24 murder charges amount to two per victim—one count for deliberation and one for extreme indifference.)

The 24-year-old arrived in an Arapahoe County courtroom with his shock of red hair more tamed than it was during his first appearance before the judge exactly one week ago. He looked down at the ground for much of the hearing, smacking his jaw.

Prosecutors confirmed the existence of a notebook reportedly belonging to Holmes and announced they would like to subpoena to Holmes' therapist, Dr. Lynne Fenton.

Among those in court were victims and family members from the horrific event, many of whom were crying and wearing sunglasses.

A status conference has been set for Aug. 16 with a preliminary hearing set for Sept. 27.

Holmes is accused of killing 12 people and injuring 58 at a horrific shooting July 20 during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises.