AURORA | The judge in the Aurora theater shooting case has pushed the start of jury selection from early December to late January, partially granting a request from the defense.
In a ruling handed down Monday, Samour said he still plans for opening arguments to start in June. Samour added, however, that he said he might grant a short delay.
Lawyers for accused shooter James Holmes asked for the delay after a second doctor’s psychiatric evaluation of Holmes was completed earlier this month. Prosecutors didn’t object to a short delay, and said some victims preferred jury selection start after the holidays.
Samour said the delay will mean the defense will have had about three months to study the second evaluation before jury selection begins, which he said should be more than enough time.
Prosecutors asked for the second evaluation last year and Samour granted it over the defense’s objections.
After the second evaluation was complete, the defense asked for a longer delay, but didn’t specify how long of a delay they needed. Instead they asked for a status conference in January for the two sides to discuss scheduling. But Samour — who has been adamant about keeping to a tight schedule and has scolded the defense for seeking delays — said further delay was unnecessary. He also said the defense has adequate resources to prepare for trial.
“The defendant has multiple experienced attorneys working on this case, and his counsel’s office has devoted seemingly unlimited resources, including considerable manpower, to this litigation,” he wrote.
Holmes is accused of killing 12 and injuring dozens more during a July 20, 2012, shooting rampage at an Aurora movie theater. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.