'Dark Knight' Theater Shooting Trial and Victims Update 2015: 80 Potential Jurors Dismissed From James Holmes Case
Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr. dismissed 80 people before jury proceedings ended for the Colorado theater shooting case Friday over reasons they claimed would not allow them to sit on the jury, Associated Press reported.
Over 90 potential jurors were released during the fourth day of jury selection while 12 others were released for reasons including health issues, a dying family member and language problems.
There were 9,000 possible jurors summoned for the case and over 200 have already been released within the first four days of the jury selection.
James Holmes is charged with killing 12 people and injuring 70 others in a Colorado theater shooting back in July 2012.
Other potential jurors said they could not sit on the mass murder case for reasons including having a bad back, having panic attacks and being in the military, according to Yahoo News via AP.
Prosecutors asked the judge not to reveal why other jurors have been released so that it does not give others a reason to avoid serving jury duty.
"You have to consider the fact that people may not want to sit on this jury," defense attorney Daniel King said to the judge.
Mass shooters usually do not make it to trial. They usually take their own lives while others end up with plea agreements.
Yet, Holmes prosecutors rejected a plea.
For the trial, the 24 chosen jurors and their 12 alternates will not be allowed to talk to anyone, including to each other about the case.
"The length that you have to be on this case, and then to tell someone they can't talk about it, that is a huge burden," said Thaddeus Hoffmeister, a University of Dayton law professor.
Jury selection could last until June while the trial could run into October. Mental health counseling will be available for jurors after they reach a verdict.
While prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, Holmes pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of latinpost.com