WATCH ABOVE: The defense is trying to save the life of the gunman convicted of murdering 12 people in a Colorado movie theater in 2012. James Holmes’ father took the stand Tuesday in the sentencing phase of the trial. Barry Petersen reports.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The father of Colorado theatre shooter James Holmes says he noticed his son had an odd facial expression about seven months before the attack, and he was reminded of it later when he saw his son’s mug shot.
Robert Holmes testified Tuesday that in December 2011, he noticed his son smiling, grimacing and smirking, and having a hard time making eye contact. Immediately after the testimony, the defence showed the mug shot of James Holmes smirking.
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Robert Holmes says he has seen James Holmes in jail only three times because his son typically does not allow visitors. During his first visit, Robert Holmes said his son “was clearly really messed up” with his eyes bulging and his pupils dilated.
During questioning, Holmes occasionally looked over at his son. Neither father nor son acknowledged each other.
James Holmes’ mother Arlene was seated two rows behind her son. She didn’t visibly react to photographs and videos showing her family’s holiday gatherings, soccer games and a trip to Disneyland.
A jury is considering whether James Holmes should serve life in prison without parole or be executed for the July 20, 2012, attack that left 12 people dead and 70 injured.
Robert Holmes is expected to take the stand again Wednesday.
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