Colorado Will Seek Death Penalty for Holmes

Plus: Will Fox journalist have to testify?
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 1, 2013 10:12 AM CDT
Updated Apr 1, 2013 12:06 PM CDT
Colorado Will Seek Death Penalty for Holmes
This March 12, 2013 file photo shows James Holmes, Aurora theater shooting suspect, in the courtroom during his arraignment in Centennial, Colo.   (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti, Pool)

Prosecutors in the Aurora shooting case are seeking the death penalty for James Holmes, they announced in court today. Arapahoe County DA George Brauchler addressed the hearing, saying, "It's my determination and my intention that in this case for James Eagan Holmes justice is death." Holmes gave no reaction, notes the AP. "I had a huge adrenaline rush," said the best friend of one victim. "I love the choice, I love it, I love it ... I hope I'm in the room when he dies."

The decision isn't entirely a surprise; Brauchler has a death penalty lawyer on his team, and he had already essentially nixed a defense offer of a guilty plea in exchange for dropping the possibility of execution. Also today, officials will announce whether Fox News reporter Jana Winter will be required to testify about her sources following a story that broke the case's gag order. (More James Holmes stories.)

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