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Monday, April 15, 2024 | Back issues
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Details of Mass Murder|Jury Questionnaire Released

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CN) - Potential jurors in accused mass murder James Holmes' case will have to fill out a lengthy questionnaire before the verbal selection process, the court ordered Tuesday in a redacted order.

James Holmes, 26, is accused of killing 12 people and wounding dozens in an Aurora movie theater during a midnight premier of "Batman: The Dark Knight Rises" on Oct. 20, 2012. 12 people died and dozens more were wounded in the attack.

Arapahoe County Judge Carlos Samour on Tuesday discussed the details of what would be on the questionnaire.

Although the 18-page document is mostly redacted, it indicates that there will be at least 75 questions and that potential jurors will not be asked to include their address.

The order also describes what will go on during the selection process.

"In Order D-82, the Court granted the defendant's motion to require all prospective jurors to complete a written questionnaire in the courtroom and under oath before the verbal jury selection process commences," the order states.

Judge said that he will play a part during the questionnaire section.

"The prosecution asks that the court read the general instructions on the first page of the questionnaire to all the prospective jurors to ensure that they do not accidentally skip them. The defendant does not opposed this request, reply at p.9, and the court agrees with it. Therefore, it is granted."

This is not the first time jury selection has been discussed. In a May hearing, Samour said Holmes may be present at the beginning of the questionnaire section.

Also in February, Samour said he expects to send out 6,000 jury summons in Arapahoe County.

Jury selection is expected to start in December.

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