Defense Calls No Witnesses as Holmes Hearing Wraps

Judge's decision expected Friday
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 9, 2013 1:43 PM CST
Defense Calls No Witnesses as Holmes Hearing Wraps
This courtroom sketch shows James Holmes being escorted by a deputy as he arrives at preliminary hearing in district court in Centennial, Colo., on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013.   (AP Photo/Bill Robles, Pool)

James Holmes' preliminary hearing ended today, as the defense decided not to call any witnesses, the AP reports. The judge will rule by Friday on whether the accused Dark Knight shooter should stand trial; Holmes could enter a plea that day if the judge decides he should be tried. Holmes' lawyers had been given permission to call two people who would discuss his mental state, as they are expected to present an insanity defense, but they ultimately said that the rules of the pre-trial hearing limited the evidence they would be allowed to present.

Before the hearing ended, prosecutors today showed photos they say Holmes took of himself on the night of the Aurora theater shooting. In them, he's wearing black contact lenses and sticking out his tongue while smilingly posing with a Glock. Police also showed pictures of the theater that they say Holmes took one month before the attack, including a photo of an exit door like the one Holmes propped open so he could re-enter after going to his car for weapons. Prosecutors said the photos proved Holmes' "deliberation and extreme indifference," NBC News reports. Click for the disturbing revelations from yesterday's court session. (More James Holmes stories.)

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