Jury selection is finally underway for the man charged with carrying out a mass shooting in a crowded movie theater three years ago.
CNN reported that around 9,000 potential jurors have been summoned to answer a questionnaire and possibly be selected to decide the fate of 27-year-old James Eagan Holmes. Such a large selection pool could mean that the process could last for several months.
The University of Colorado graduate is accused of intentionally setting off smoke canisters and opening fire in an Aurora movie theater during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in 2012. A total of 12 people were killed and dozens more were injured during the chaos in the theater.
Officers arrested Holmes, who was dressed like and insisted he was “The Joker” from the Batman movies, a few minutes later outside the cinema.
He and his lawyers have since entered a not guilty plea by reason of insanity.
NBC News noted that Holmes’ courtroom attire consisted of a grey sport coat, tan slacks and black shoes during his appearance Tuesday. He also wore glasses and sported neatly trimmed brown hair, which is a far cry from the bright red hair he had in his infamous mugshot.
If he is found guilty, he could face the death penalty.