When survivors of the Aurora theater shooting return to court today, they'll have a chance to describe how the tragedy has affected their lives.
Jurors sentenced killer James Holmes to life in prison without parole. This week the judge will finalize the sentence, and at hearings, any victim of the attack can speak. Prosecutors expect around 100 people to address the court. They’ll include not just those who were injured, but also first responders and residents of Holmes’ apartment building where he left dangerous booby-traps.
"We believe that had those devices been tripped the apartment complex would have at least been set on fire, and potentially everyone in the apartment complex would have been murdered," said Lisa Teesh-Maguire, who handles victim outreach for the prosecution. "So for us, they’re really almost attempted murder victims as well."
They're among the 1,200 victims of Holmes' actions, according to Teesh-Maguire, including families of people who were shot. Her team has helped organize everything from rides to the trial, to the supply of tissues in the courtroom, to therapy dogs to support those victims.
Teesch-Maquire spoke with Colorado Matters host Nathan Heffel.
