Following the closing arguments from the prosecution and the defense as reported by HNGN, the jury in the high-profile case of Aurora, Colo. theater gunman James Holmes has decided that the former neuroscience graduate student is guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the massacre in July 2012.
The jury, composed of nine women and three men, found Holmes guilty on all 24 counts of first degree murder, 140 counts of attempted murder, as well as numerous other offenses, including one explosives charge, reports NBC News.
Holmes, though never denying that he was behind the shootings, had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The insanity plea was the core aspect of the defense's arguments during the trial. Defense attorney Dan King centered in on the suspect's mental health issues, arguing that despite the fact that Holmes pulled the trigger, the instability of his mental state during the incident should not be held against him, according to CNN.
"The evidence is clear that he could not control his thoughts. He could not control his actions, and he could not control his perceptions," the lawyer said.
The prosecution, however, focused on one argument - the fact that he was behind the cold-blooded murders of numerous people. Calling over 200 witnesses, the prosecution argued that Holmes knew exactly what he was doing and that he deliberately planned the massacre beforehand.
Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler stated the prosecution's point: "Look at the evidence, then hold this man accountable. Reject this claim that he didn't know right from wrong when he murdered those people and tried to kill the others.
"That guy was sane beyond a reasonable doubt, and he needs to be held accountable for what he did," the prosecutor added.
Following a 12-hour jury deliberation, Arapahoe County District Court Judge Carlos Samour asked the packed public courtroom to refrain from any emotional outbursts. As the courtroom quieted down, he began reading the guilty verdicts, one after another, reports MSN News.
Families of Holmes' victims smiled at one another, clasping hands and patting each other on the back. It was the time they had been waiting for.
Yousef Gharbi, who was injured in the attack, described the atmosphere in the courtroom. "My body shuddered. A sense of relief came over me," he said. "Like everybody, I sighed. I gasped for air. That's what I wanted to hear, but I didn't know if that's what I was going to hear."
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper agrees that the jury's decision is a definitive step forward in the healing process of the state. "This has been an emotional and difficult time for the victims, their families, loved ones and friends. My hope is that this step brings some peace to each of them, and begins the healing process for all of Colorado."
The proceedings are now set to move to the next phase - deciding whether James Holmes will be executed or if he will spend his entire life in jail.
