Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Should the Colorado Theater Shooter be Executed?

Killer's parents plead for his life in Colorado theater shooting case

By SADIE GURMAN
Associated Press
December 20, 2014

COLORADO Denver � The parents of Colorado theater shooting suspect James Holmes begged Friday for his life to be spared through a plea bargain � a move that rekindled the long-running, emotional debate about whether the horrific details of the mass killing should be played out at his upcoming trial.

The statement released by Robert and Arlene Holmes emphasized a key legal issue in the tortured history of the case � James Holmes' mental state when he killed 12 people and injured 70 others, and whether he should die if convicted of the crime.

�He is a human being gripped by a severe mental illness,� the parents wrote in just their second public comments since the 2012 attack. �We have always loved him, and we do not want him to be executed.�

Prosecutors previously rejected at least one proposed plea deal made by attorneys for Holmes, criticizing the lawyers for publicizing the offer and calling it a ploy meant to draw the public and the judge into what should be private negotiations.

They said the proposal could not be considered genuine because the defense repeatedly refused to give them information needed to evaluate it. No details were provided on the information but attorneys previously argued in court about access to details concerning Holmes' mental health.

Defense attorneys don't deny he was the shooter but say he was in the grips of a psychotic episode.

Survivors, relatives respond to statement

The comments by Holmes' parents incensed some survivors of the attack and relatives of those killed. They questioned the timing as 9,000 jury summonses were being delivered for the trial.

�To give a person who committed such a calculated, horrific crime a life sentence, to me that's like giving him a slap on the wrist,� said Marcus Weaver, who was shot in the arm and whose friend, Rebecca Wingo, died in the attack.

The prospect of a long court battle troubled victim Pierce O'Farrill, who was shot three times.

He said he would welcome an agreement that imprisons Holmes for life and did not see how a possible death penalty would �bring peace to anybody, whether it's justice or not.�

�Life in prison, throw away the key, and he doesn't see the light of day again and we move on.� O'Farrill said of a possible plea deal, noting he has forgiven Holmes.

Associated Press

I'm for it.

Of course mommy doesn't want her son killed. No shock there.

He said he would welcome an agreement that imprisons Holmes for life and did not see how a possible death penalty would �bring peace to anybody, whether it's justice or not.�


It will bring 'peace' knowing we aren't spending another dime of people's money on him.

Why imprison a person who cannot be rehabilitated to where he can be released back into society? The death penalty seems appropriate to me in this case. We'd be listening to the same arguments in the Adam Lanza case were it not for him having chosen the cowards way out by committing suicide. Both were coherent enough to make and carry out plans for their evil deeds and should not be allowed to hide behind the insanity defense.

Yes, he should. Even if he's crazier than a chithouse rat. Execution is the only guaranteed way that he'll never harm anyone else.

We euthanize pets with better temperaments.

We've executed deserters on the spot.

We cant guarantee he will never enjoy another day of happiness if hes alive which is what I would like, since the families of the dead probably wont.

The only way to do that is if he pays the complete price.

Some things in life are and will remain abit distasteful. But necessary.

I'm for it. And it has nothing to do with keeping people safe. I just think he needs to die.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes

Charles Manson comes up parole review every few years. What's to keep them from turning him loose? If they'd executed him 30 years ago, there would be no risk.

Yup!

If mass murders do not qualify for a death penalty, then why have it?
Absolutely, yes.

yes, and quickly, before some azzwipe like obama pardons him

Under Colorado law, in order to be not guilty by reason of insanity, you must be so far gone you do not know your actions were wrong.

He knew what he was doing was wrong, and should be executed.

of course, down under, you guys don't execute anyone, for any reason, right?

He's a white boy no pardon for him

Yes execute

Execution are a very expensive proposition. I oppose the death penalty on cost grounds, not moral grounds - I've got no problem wit the death penalty for certain cases, but do not like the 7 figure cost. Given the US legal system, it takes a decade or more to carry out a death sentence.

A cheaper alternative would be life without parole and keeping the convicted on a tight leash (no movement with the prison).

Here's a summary of the costs: http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/costs-death-penalty

Should have already been executed stop dragging your stinking feet.