CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — Now that prosecutors have decided to seek the death penalty against James Holmes, the trial of the man accused in last year's movie theater attack in Colorado will be delayed -- at least until February.
And the judge in the case acknowledged today that even that much of a delay might not allow enough time for all sides to prepare.
Holmes had been scheduled to go to trial in August in the attack that killed 12 people and injured 70 others.
There was no audible reaction from him today when the prosecutor announced the decision to pursue the death penalty. Holmes' parents sat side by side in the gallery, clutching hands. They were also quiet, as were the victims and their loved ones who were in the courtroom when the decision was announced.
One man whose best friend was killed in the attack says he had a "huge adrenaline rush" when he heard that Holmes might face death. Bryan Beard said, "I hope I'm in the room when he dies."
Last week, prosecutors said they had rejected an offer from Holmes' attorney to have him plead guilty and serve life in prison.
