Theater shooting trial day 58: Arlene Holmes expected to testify

After the father of the convicted Aurora movie theater shooter concludes the testimony he began Tuesday, the gunman's mother is expected to be the next witness to take the stand.

3rd & 7 37yd

And please, someone who has more information than me correct me if I'm wrong. I saw an interview with several of the victims and families where it was stated that they, as a group, chose to request the DP. The spokesperson I saw that day said that he, himself, was not for the DP but since the group collectively went this way, they all supported it.

by Suzi Lewis 7/29/2015 10:44:55 PM
@Phil- Thank you for addressing my question

by Matt 7/29/2015 10:44:57 PM
I wish people would stop trying to use this chat room to change laws. Get over it please.

by Suzanne 7/29/2015 10:45:44 PM
@Marisha Again, we have a right to our opinions without requiring advice about how to change laws.

by Clancy 7/29/2015 10:45:51 PM
Changes in society begin with conversations... perhaps even polite conversations in a chat room like this one. All opinions are welcome, even opinions that the conversation won't change things. Just continue your great and helpful work by keeping things respectful

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:46:45 PM
We are on hold now, waiting for court to resume so Judge Samour can give the Curtis and allocution advisements

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:46:49 PM
@Phil, and continue your great work by...continuing your great work! As always, very thankful for the work of you and your colleagues.

by Ambz 7/29/2015 10:48:01 PM
Judge comes back in, right on time by my watch

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:48:16 PM
@Phil- To your point, I think there is a lot of great research here (in the comments) for a Sociologist to explore and write up in a study.

by Matt 7/29/2015 10:48:21 PM
@PA Watcher.... Yes! DP jurors are "death certified" (not my invention) during voir dire. This is a HUGE issue. Studies have showed that these juries tend to be biased toward the prosecution... and a death verdict. Only a right wing SCOTUS has allowed this mechanism to persist. The blindfold of justice is pulled off one eye at the very beginning.

by Frank 7/29/2015 10:48:26 PM
Judge asking if this is an OK time to give the advisements

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:48:39 PM
Thanks again, Phil! My husband expressed concerns about being on any chat room, in light of all the things you hear about the internet, but with the moderators here, it feels like we can express opinions without being attacked.

by Suzi Lewis 7/29/2015 10:48:48 PM
Judge now addressing the defendant directly. We've seen this cycle before. He's always refused to speak in his own defense

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:49:13 PM
@Phil As always, thank you and D7 for allowing us to blog about this difficult and at times controversial topic. I think it is good for people to have different points of view and be able to communicate them. But it must be hard on the mods!

by Just Thinkin 7/29/2015 10:49:38 PM
Judge explains again that if he does testify, the DA could cross-examine him

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:50:18 PM
@Frank, compliments on you writing ability.

by Clancy 7/29/2015 10:50:31 PM
Judge notes he's given this advisement twice

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:50:56 PM
I'm surprised King didn't leave! He's all packed up and was just yawning!

by Ann 7/29/2015 10:51:02 PM
Prosecution not aware of any felony convictions (outside this case)

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:51:20 PM
I apologize if any felt I was attacking your personal opinion. It was not my intention, I just am not understanding how this is a good avenue for an anti-dp conversation? Some seem very passionate about it, perhaps the correct platform could bring about change? I may have come off brash, but definitely did not mean to come off as attacking. Again, I apologize if it seemed so.

by Marsha Laurienti 7/29/2015 10:52:14 PM
Judge tells him that the jury would also be allowed to ask questions, if he finds they are appropriate

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:52:33 PM
I've noticed too that Mr. King has left quickly each day since the guilty verdicts were read. Has he been assigned another case that he's prepping for?

by Sue 7/29/2015 10:53:18 PM
@Sue: I think there's enough work for everyone left to do on this case. They all have indicated they work on the case outside of court

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:53:36 PM
Judge referencing the defense instruction about his decisions not to testify

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:55:14 PM
Why is the audio coming in and out all day today??

by libran6 7/29/2015 10:55:24 PM
Thank you for that last comment @Marsha. Death is an absolute, no matter who is responsible for it. I think it raises absolute opinions.

by Clancy 7/29/2015 10:55:26 PM
Thanks, Phil. I was shocked the day of the guilty verdicts because everyone else was still in the court but King flew out immediately. He just seems to leave quickly since then.

by Sue 7/29/2015 10:55:27 PM
@libran6: I haven't noticed

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:55:32 PM
Judge says only the defendant can make the "personal decision" on if he will testify

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:56:10 PM
Have you discussed this with your attorneys? yes

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:56:25 PM
had enough time? yes

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:56:30 PM
need more time? No

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:56:33 PM
Will you testify? "I choose not to testify"

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:56:49 PM
As expected, defendant will not testify

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:57:26 PM
Next, judge will explain his right to make an allocution statement

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:58:12 PM
Defendant says he understands the statement of allocution, that it is not under oath and that there is no cross examination

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 10:59:03 PM
Defendant does not require more time to make a decision

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 11:00:05 PM
Defendant has no question for the court

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 11:00:38 PM
Gunman will not make an allocution statement

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 11:00:52 PM
Judge reiterates that he will give this advisement again if we go to phase 3

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 11:01:09 PM
Judge indicates we will move on to discussing instructions. Some attorneys are leaving

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 11:02:16 PM
@Frank...the reason the jury must be DP qualified is that, contrary to your seeming opinion, the DT and the PT are entitled to a fair trial...thus it is necessary to weed out zealots of all stripes...everyone gets a fair trial.

by PA Watcher 7/29/2015 11:02:40 PM
why does JH not have to stand when the judge addresses him? please and thank you

by Aly 7/29/2015 11:02:45 PM
@Marsha Chanel 7 has informed us we are allowed to discus the DP here as long as we are civil with each other.

Why do you think this isn't the place to discus it? It's one of the biggest death penalty cases involving mental illness in this generation.

by Me (CaliMiSFit@yahoo.com) 7/29/2015 11:02:55 PM
Judge redoing the curtis advisement, just in case he said a wrong word. Orman wasn't sure, but they're being careful

by Phil Tenser 7/29/2015 11:03:16 PM