Aurora gunman James Holmes is seeking to plead guilty as a way to avoid the death penalty in his upcoming trial, Denver news outlets and the Associated Press reported on Wednesday afternoon. His attorneys hope the deal will enable him to get a life prison sentence instead. The offer comes just before the prosecution was scheduled to announce whether or not they intend to seek the death penalty in his upcoming case.
During Holmes' arraignment on March 12, his lead attorney, Daniel King, told Judge William Sylvester that the suspect was not prepared to enter a plea because the defense was not sure if the prosecution intended to seek the death penalty against his client. Knowing that could alter Holmes' plea and significantly alter how the defense moves forward, King explained.
Prosecutors would not reveal on Wednesday whether they'd go along with a plea deal. They mentioned that they will probably consult with victims and their families before deciding whether to accept the offer, news reports said. If they agree, the case could end much quicker. In the filing, defense attorneys say the only thing that would hinder Holmes changing his plea on Monday is the prosecution's decision.
Defense attorneys also said they're still exploring a mental health defense and "counsel will vigorously present and argue any and all appropriate defenses at a trial or sentencing proceeding, as necessary," they said. Holmes, the suspect of multiple counts of murder, is a former graduate student at the University of Colorado, Denver.
Last week, his lawyers revealed that he was taken to a hospital psychiatric ward in November because he was considered a threat to himself. Holmes was held there for several days.
Holmes is charged with a total of 166 counts of murder, attempted murder and other charges. To coincide with his crimes, authorities said he booby-trapped his apartment with explosives, then traveled to the movie theater armed with four weapons, tear gas and body armor planning to kill audience members during a midnight screening of "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises."
