DENVER (AP) — Some victims of the Colorado theater shooting are outraged that the parents of suspect James Holmes are pleading for him to be spared the death penalty just weeks before his trial is set to begin.

In a statement released Friday, Robert and Arlene Holmes say their son is mentally ill, and they do not want him to be executed.

Jams Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of killing 12 people and injuring 70 in the 2012 attack.

Melisa Cowden, whose ex-husband, Gordon Cowden, was killed in the shooting called the parents' statement comical. She says she doubts Holmes is mentally ill.

His parents say a plea deal that would put him in prison for the rest of his life would keep everyone safe and avoid a traumatic trial.

Prosecutors declined to comment.