Aurora, Colorado (CNN) — Colorado movie shooting suspect James Holmes was charged today with 24 counts of first-degree murder – two counts for each of the 12 people killed in the shooting.
Twelve murder counts cite “deliberation,” and 12 cite “extreme indifference” to the value of human life.
The 24-year-old former doctoral student was also charged with 116 counts of attempted murder; one count of felony possession of explosive devices; and one crime of violence, which is related to his use of an assault weapon, shotgun and handgun during the incident.
The charges bring the total number of counts to 142 in connection with the July 20 massacre in which another 58 moviegoers were wounded in the Century Aurora 16 multiplex.
During the hearing at the Arapahoe County Courthouse, Holmes appeared calm. For a while, he stared blankly at the bottom of the bench but appeared to be aware of what was going on. When the judge asked him if he would speak with his attorneys to ensure he understood why they were asking for more time before a future hearing, he said softly, “Yes.”
About half of the approximately 120 seats in the courtroom were filled with victims or their family members, more of whom watched the proceeding on video in an overflow room.
Holmes’ next hearing is scheduled for August 9.
The suspect was taken into the courthouse through an underground tunnel that connects the courthouse to the Arapahoe County Jail, where he has been held in isolation without bail since the shootings.
In his initial court appearance last Monday, Holmes — his hair dyed various shades of orange — appeared dazed and did not speak.
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