Legal Experts Agree That Colorado Shooting Case Will Focus on James Holmes’ Mental State
Shooting suspect James Holmes is set to be formally charged at this morning’s hearing in Colorado. Holmes is suspected of killing 12 people and injuring 58 during the recent movie massacre in Aurora.
Fox News legal analyst Arthur Aidala and clinical psychiatrist Dale Archer spoke to America’s Newsroom about how Holmes’ sanity will play into the case for his defense.
Both experts agreed that Holmes lawyers will focus on an insanity defense, which Aidala explained, saying, “The insanity defense is, you didn’t know the difference between right and wrong. I mean, that’s an ideal insanity defense.”
Archer added that Holmes’ competence to stand trial is also in question. “Does he understand the nature of the charges against him and can he assist his counsel?” asked Archer. “From what I’ve seen up to this point, if he’s found incompetent, there will not be a trial.”
The experts also discussed the rumors of Holmes being medicated during his original court appearance and whether a package Holmes sent to his psychiatrist should be considered admissible evidence.
