Lawyers for accused Colorado theater gunman oppose televising trial

By

Attorneys for accused Colorado theater gunman James Holmes oppose requests by news media to televise his trial, arguing the presence of cameras would jeopardize his due process rights, a court filing made public on Friday showed.

A group of television news outlets requested last month that Arapahoe County District Court Judge Carlos Samour allow expanded media coverage of the trial, which is set to begin with jury selection in December.

Colorado law lets trials be televised at the discretion of the presiding judge.

Holmes, 26, is charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder for opening fire in July 2102 inside a suburban Denver cinema during a midnight screening of the Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises."

Twelve moviegoers were killed and 70 others were injured in the rampage, and prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty for the California native if he is convicted.

Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. His lawyers have conceded the former neuroscience graduate student was the lone shooter, but said he was undergoing a psychotic episode at the time.

In their response to the request to televise the trial, public defenders said defense witnesses would be hesitant to testify due to privacy concerns amid what they said would likely turn into "a media spectacle."

Any reluctance by witnesses could have an impact on Holmes' right to a fair trial, and to a reliable sentencing hearing should he be convicted, the defense lawyers wrote.

"Their (TV news outlets) primary goal is to attract viewers and make money, not necessarily to educate and enlighten the public on the functioning of the criminal justice system," they wrote.

"The Court should take pause before transforming this workplace into a 'set' for the entertainment of the public, which will most certainly detract from the solemnity of these

proceedings."

Prosecutors have not yet filed their response to the media request. Samour has set a Sept. 22 hearing on the issue.

Tags
James Holmes
Join the Discussion
More News
Luigi Mangione Terrorism charges dropped reappears after 6 months

Luigi Mangione Reappears for the First Time in Six Months: Judge Tosses Terrorism Charges

patel hearing

Kash Patel Defends' Real Results' in Wake of Harsh Scrutiny Over Kirk Killing, Epstein Files

Slovakian Rapists Jailed 53 Yrs for Drugging & Abusing 12-year

Not Enough Punishment? Slovakian Men Sentenced To 53 Years For Luring, Drugging And Raping 12 Year-Old

Ryan Routh Acussed of Asessination Attampt Trum trial begins

Suspected Trump Shooter Ryan Routh Set to Act As Own Lawyer As Trial Begins in Florida