DENVER (AP) — A lawsuit against a psychiatrist who treated Colorado theater shooting suspect James Holmes has been put on hold to avoid conflicts with the criminal case against him.
The Denver Post reported Wednesday (http://tinyurl.com/czosjfb ) a federal judge placed an administrative hold on the lawsuit at the request of both sides.
The suit was filed by Chantel Blunk, whose husband was one of 12 killed. The suit claims Holmes told psychiatrist Lynne Fenton before the attack that he fantasized about killing people. It alleges Fenton was negligent in not asking police to place a 72-hour psychiatric hold on Holmes.
Fenton hasn't commented but is contesting the suit.
Holmes faces murder and attempted murder charges. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Holmes' lawyers say he will plead not guilty by reason of insanity.
