Holmes jury keeps execution as option

Associated Press

CENTENNIAL, Colo.

Jurors on Monday moved one step closer toward sentencing James Holmes to death for his Colorado movie theater attack, taking less than three hours to reject arguments that the former neuroscience student’s mental illness means he should not die.

The decision clears the way for one last attempt from both sides to sway the jury, with gripping testimony from victims about their suffering and more appeals for mercy for the man convicted of murdering 12 people and trying to kill 70 more during the 2012 assault at a Batman movie.

Holmes, his reactions dulled by anti-psychotic drugs, stood as ordered and appeared emotionless as Judge Carlos Samour, Jr. read the decisions.

Robert and Arlene Holmes held hands, their fingers interlaced, and directed their eyes at the floor. With each unanimous “yes,” it became ever more clear that jurors believe their son’s crimes outweighed their testimony. She began to cry, and her husband held out a box of tissues.

The jury was told to return this morning for the final phase. The nine women and three men finally will decide whether the 27-year-old Holmes should receive a lethal injection, or spend life in prison without parole.