Colorado prosecutors have rejected James Holmes’ offer to plead guilty in exchange for escaping the possibility of being given the death penalty. Prosecutors have expressed that based on the current information disclosed to prosecutors, it is unlikely that a plea offer will be accepted by Holmes’ defense lawyers.
Holmes is charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in the July 20 Colorado theatre shooting. Twelve people were killed and 70 were injured.
As previously mentioned, Holmes’ attorneys disclosed in a court filing Wednesday that their client has offered to plead guilty if prosecutors agreed to spare him the death penalty. Prosecutors criticized defense attorneys for publicizing the offer and argue that defense lawyers purposely did this in order to make the public and the judge aware of plea negotiations that should have remained private.
George Brauchler, the current DA in Arapahoe County, is scheduled to announce Monday whether he will seek the death penalty for Holmes.
Pierce O’Farrill, of the victims of the Colorado shooting who was shot three times, stated that he would welcome an agreement that would imprison Holmes for life. He expressed concerns that the long trial process would be too emotional for other victims.