15°c Clear
28°c Isolated showers
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Families lash out at mentally ill argument
Don't want trial to be all about suspect
James Holmes (CP)
CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- After defence lawyers disclosed their belief the Colorado theatre shooting suspect is mentally ill, victims and their families asked whether that argument will change the trial's focus to him rather than his deadly actions.
"They keep talking about fairness for him," said Shane Medek, whose 23-year-old sister, Micayla Medek, died in the July 20 shootings. "It's like they're babying this dude."
James Holmes is accused of opening fire in a movie theatre, killing 12 people and injuring 58. His lawyers disclosed their belief he suffers from a mental illness during a court hearing Thursday, when nearly two dozen news organizations asked a judge to unseal case documents. Defence attorney Daniel King argued the seal and a sweeping gag order ensure fairness.
Analysts expect the case to be dominated by arguments over Holmes' sanity, and the defence's revelation was the strongest confirmation so far mental illness will be a key issue. A court document previously revealed Holmes was seeing a school psychiatrist for unknown reasons.
Holmes, a 24-year-old former Ph.D. student at the University of Colorado, sat during the hearing with the dazed demeanour he had in two previous court appearances.
"It doesn't give him the right to do what he did," said Chris Townsond, who attended the court hearing with a wounded victim. "I don't care how mentally damaged he is."
King said Holmes sought out university psychiatrist Lynne Fenton for help weeks before the shooting. A hearing was scheduled for Aug. 16 to establish if they had a doctor-patient relationship.
Holmes' lawyers could argue he is not mentally competent to stand trial. It was the argument used for Jared Loughner, who pleaded guilty this week to a 2011 shooting in Arizona that killed six people and wounded 13 others, including then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
If Holmes goes to trial and is convicted, his attorneys can try to avoid a possible death penalty by arguing he is mentally ill.
Few details are known about the case because of the seal and gag order issued by the judge. The Associated Press and 20 other news organizations on Thursday asked him to scale back the order, which bars the university from releasing details about Holmes.
Steven D. Zansberg, an attorney representing the news consortium, said state law allows judges to issue gag orders barring prosecutors and law enforcement from commenting. But Aurora officials have cited the gag order in declining to speak about the city's response to the shootings, and even prosecution's arguments on the order are under seal.
Gregory Moore, editor of the Denver Post, said before the hearing the news organizations are trying to perform their watchdog role by making sure the investigation is conducted fairly.
The judge said he would rule on the matter by Monday. He did not say when he would respond to the request to unseal the court documents.
-- The Associated Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 11, 2012 A25
More World
- Back to Top
- Return to World
More World
(1 of 12 articles for today)
Bomb blast, gunmen attack UN compound in Mogadishu; battle ongoing
4:24 AM 0MOGADISHU, Somalia - A Somali policeman and a U.N. official say that gunmen have attacked the U.N. compound in Mogadishu ...
Poll
Most Popular World
- Hungary accuses ex-Canadian citizen, 98, of Nazi-era war crimes against Jews
- Man inspires new form of protest in Turkey simply by standing
- Bombardier business jets account for most of US$1.9B orders at Paris Air Show
- California 'Night Stalker' serial killer Richard Ramirez dies at 53
- Mystery behind disappearance, death of Teamsters' Jimmy Hoffa still fascinates after 40 years
- Justin Bieber behind wheel as car strikes man in Hollywood; police say no crime
- Miss Utah latest beauty queen to botch answer, elicit cringes across web
- China bans individuals from adopting abandoned infants privately
- Brazil protesters angry over poor services and high taxes keep up pressure at Sao Paulo march
- Italy's high court explains Amanda Knox reversal, says victim died in possible 'erotic game'
- Deck collapse at popular Miami-area sports bar during NBA Finals game sends dozens into water
- Bear whose head had been stuck in a plastic jar for at least 11 days is rescued in central Pa.
- Hungary accuses ex-Canadian citizen, 98, of Nazi-era war crimes against Jews
- Mystery behind disappearance, death of Teamsters' Jimmy Hoffa still fascinates after 40 years
- Boston woman pays $560,000 for 2 parking spots during auction held by IRS
- AP IMPACT: Commander in Nazi SS-led unit linked to atrocities living in Minnesota
- Soldiers, horses parade through London to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's birthday
- Man recovering in hospital after surviving plunge from 15th floor apartment in New Zealand
- Father of Snowden's girlfriend says he's 'shocked' by news; says daughter is 'holding on'
- Man inspires new form of protest in Turkey simply by standing
- Bridge collapse survivor who fell in river: 'You hold on as tight as you can'
- Massive tornado roars through Oklahoma City suburb, killing at least 51
- Brave woman tried to calm London attackers and reasoned with them before police came
- Woman who reported baby in sewer is his mom; was present at rescue
- Mother says Boston suspect now walking; father of Chechen man FBI shot says he was 'executed'
- SC woman who murdered 4 in family brought them together to pray before killings
- Search for survivors of Oklahoma tornado nearly complete, as homeowners confront devastation
- Man shot to death in Fla. while being questioned in Boston Marathon bombing investigation
- 3 veteran storm chasers killed while pursuing storm as it swept into Oklahoma City area
- Police: US driver drove drunk while having sex, crashed, hid behind cactus
- Uncle Sam is Big Brother
- Drowning doesn't look like drowning
- AP IMPACT: Commander in Nazi SS-led unit linked to atrocities living in Minnesota
- Having a senior moment?
- Rare comic book featuring Superman's debut found in walls of Minn. home sells for $175,000
- Don't like spies? Here are some ideas for keeping your data safe from snoops
- Minnesota man lied about Nazi past
- Books can influence growth of brain
- US woman training for half-marathon discovers runner's pain actually surprise baby girl
- Vietnam court sentences 4 men to prison for arranging 2 illegal voyages for would-be migrants
- Drowning doesn't look like drowning
- Bridge collapse survivor who fell in river: 'You hold on as tight as you can'
- Police: US driver drove drunk while having sex, crashed, hid behind cactus
- Rare comic book featuring debut of Superman found insulating abandoned house in Minnesota
- Uncle Sam is Big Brother
- Phone cracked? Cool
- Driver horrified by scene in rearview mirror after load hits I-5 bridge, road falls into river
- Woman who reported baby in sewer is his mom; was present at rescue
- Beavers attack people in Belarus, fisherman dies of bite wounds after trying to pose for photo
- AP IMPACT: Commander in Nazi SS-led unit linked to atrocities living in Minnesota
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?
Login SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.