Colo. judge enters not guilty plea for Holmes

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — A bearded and bushy-haired James Holmes sat quietly as a packed courtroom waited today for a plea that could help shed light on a deadly shooting rampage he is accused of going on in a crowded Colorado movie theater last summer.

Instead, his lawyers told the judge they weren't ready to enter a plea — despite numerous delays since the July 20 attack that killed 12 people and injured 70 at a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises."

A barely audible gasp rose from dozens of family members and victims.

"So how am I supposed to make an informed decision?" Judge William Sylvester asked pointedly, his gaze fixed on defense lawyer Daniel King, before the judge entered a not guilty plea on Holmes' behalf.

Victims were relieved by Judge Sylvester's action.

"It's been since July," said Marcus Weaver, who was shot in the arm and who lost friend Rebecca Wingo in the attack. "We're just so thankful we're able to move forward."