CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) – Colorado theater shooter James Holmes chose not to testify in the latest phase of his sentencing hearing.
Holmes gave clear, direct answers when Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr. asked about the decision Wednesday. Prosecutors would have had the opportunity to cross-examine Holmes had he chosen to testify
Holmes’ mother said her family remains supportive of her son, despite the attack that killed 12 people and injured 70 others.
Arlene Holmes testified Wednesday that her brother Dex died about a month after the July 2012 attack, but "he definitely wanted Jim to know that he was thinking about him as he was dying ... and that he loved him."
She also testified that James Holmes' sister Chris has always been wondering how he's doing, despite a relationship that was sometimes contentious when the siblings were growing up.
Arlene Holmes said she had seen her son only three times since the attack because such visits have required extra security, but she has written to him about once a week.
She also said she has never known her son to be mean-spirited or selfish.
The jury has been considering whether James Holmes should serve life in prison without parole or be executed.
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