Theater shooter’s lawyers, prosecutors spar over videos

Photo: James Holmes (AP Photo)
Aurora theater shooting suspect James Holmes in court in Centennial, Colo on June 4, 2013.

Attorneys in the Aurora theater shooting case are arguing over whether videos of James Holmes' volunteer work as a teenager can be shown during sentencing if he is convicted.

Defense attorneys wrote in court filings released Thursday that the two videos are intended to show jurors the type of organizations Holmes chose to serve. Prosecutors say the videos are hearsay and should be barred.

Prosecutors also object to a video that Holmes' lawyers say offers a glimpse into his childhood and family values.

Details about what the videos show are heavily redacted from the filings.

Holmes pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of killing 12 people and injuring 70 in the 2012 attack at a Denver-area theater. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Jury selection is set to start Jan. 20.