James Holmes

Mass Murderer

James Holmes and the 2012 Aurora Movie Theater Massacre

Background

James Eagan Holmes was a 24-year-old former neuroscience graduate student when he carried out one of the deadliest mass shootings in Colorado history. During the early morning hours of July 20, 2012, Holmes attacked a crowded movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 people and injuring 70 others. The victims had gathered for a midnight premiere of the Batman film The Dark Knight Rises. Holmes had been enrolled in a doctoral neuroscience program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. During 2012, his academic performance deteriorated, and he withdrew from the program shortly before the shooting. Evidence later presented in court showed that Holmes had been experiencing serious psychiatric problems and had communicated violent thoughts to a university psychiatrist. However, prosecutors argued that he remained capable of planning, making decisions and understanding that his intended actions were illegal.

Planning the Attack

Holmes spent months acquiring firearms, ammunition, tactical equipment and explosive materials. On May 22, 2012, he purchased a Glock .40-caliber handgun in Aurora. On May 28, he bought a Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun in Denver. On June 7, he purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P15 semiautomatic rifle. He also obtained another Glock handgun, thousands of rounds of ammunition, a 100-round drum magazine, body armor, a ballistic helmet, a gas mask and other tactical equipment. Before the massacre, Holmes considered several possible methods and locations for killing large numbers of people. A notebook later introduced as evidence contained descriptions, diagrams and discussions of possible attacks. He ultimately selected a movie theater because it would be crowded, enclosed and dark. Prosecutors maintained that these preparations demonstrated calculation and intent rather than a sudden or uncontrolled act. Holmes also constructed an elaborate system of explosives and incendiary devices inside his apartment at 1690 Paris Street in Aurora. The apartment contained containers of gasoline, explosive chemicals, homemade devices, wires and triggering mechanisms. Investigators believed the setup was intended to kill or injure anyone who entered and possibly divert emergency personnel away from the theater.

The Century 16 Theater Attack

On July 19, 2012, Holmes went to the Century 16 movie theater at 14300 East Alameda Avenue in Aurora. He purchased a ticket for a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises in Theater 9, where approximately 400 people were gathered. After entering the auditorium, Holmes sat near the front and later left through an emergency exit beside the movie screen. He propped the exit door open and went to his vehicle, which he had parked nearby. He changed into black tactical clothing that included a ballistic helmet, gas mask, load-bearing vest, protective leggings, throat protection, gloves and other equipment. At approximately 12:38 a.m. on July 20, Holmes returned through the emergency exit. Because of the costumes associated with the movie premiere, some audience members initially believed he was part of a promotional event or special effect. Holmes threw gas canisters into the auditorium, filling portions of the room with smoke and irritating chemicals. As people struggled to understand what was happening, he opened fire. Holmes used a Remington shotgun, a Smith & Wesson semiautomatic rifle and a Glock handgun. He fired toward audience members in their seats, in the aisles and near the exits. Some victims were struck while attempting to escape, while others were wounded as they shielded relatives, friends and partners. Bullets penetrated a wall and entered the neighboring Theater 8, where additional moviegoers were injured. The rifle was equipped with a high-capacity drum magazine but eventually malfunctioned. Holmes abandoned the rifle inside the theater and continued using other firearms. Investigators later determined that he fired 76 rounds during the attack, including six shotgun shells, 65 rifle rounds and five handgun rounds. ...

Confirmed Victims: (12)

Jonathan Blunk 26 yr old Male

James Holmes (mass murderer)