Jammed Rifle May Have Saved Lives

Still few answers in rampage, and James Holmes not talking
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 23, 2012 4:10 AM CDT
Updated Jul 23, 2012 5:19 AM CDT
Jammed Rifle Helped Save Lives
James Holmes isn't talking to investigators.   (AP Photo/University of Colorado)

Aurora shooting suspect James Holmes' most powerful gun, a semi-automatic assault rifle, jammed on him early during his rampage, forcing him to use a less powerful weapon that may have saved lives, police tell the AP in a round-up of the latest news on Holmes and the Dark Night massacre. For now, Holmes is being held in solitary confinement and has "lawyered up," refusing to cooperate with the police. "He's not talking to us," said Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates.

Meanwhile, a portrait of Holmes is emerging that answers few questions. Holmes' mother, Arlene, attends church every week and is a volunteer. James Holmes is generally described by school officials and students as a quiet, highly capable student. A 10-year friend of Holmes said they saw each other in December and he seemed unremarkable then. However, Holmes' application to a local gun range last month was rejected because when the range's owner heard Holmes' voice message, he thought it sounded "bizarre." (More James Holmes stories.)

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