Centennial, United States--James Holmes, the allegedly disturbed gunman accused of opening fire in a packed "Batman" movie premiere, killing 12 people, finally went on trial Monday, nearly three years after the shocking massacre.
In opening remarks, prosecutors said the 27-year-old "meticulously" planned the the July 2012 shootings in Aurora, Colorado, and talked about wanting to kill people months before the killings.
"I'm not suicidal but I've had some thoughts of killing people," he told a therapist in March that year, according to prosecutor George Brauchler, who cited Holmes talking about "his longstanding hatred of mankind."
The 27-year-old, who has pleaded not guilty due to insanity, listened calmly as the prosecutor set out his case at the trial, which could see him face the death sentence.
In a 911 emergency call from the night of the killings, played in court, repeated shots and screams can be heard as a caller tells the police dispatcher about the unfolding massacre.
The troubled graduate student -- who had a shock of orange hair when first seen after the attack -- sported neatly-trimmed brown hair and beard for Monday's first court session.
Holmes has been in custody since the night of the mass murder in Aurora, Colorado on July 20, 2012, which also left 70 people injured. He allegedly dressed up as Batman villain the Joker.
Prosecutors had two hours to make their opening arguments on the first day of the trial proper, before a presentation of the same length by defense attorneys.
If convicted, Holmes could face the death penalty. Much of the trial is expected focus on whether he was sane at the time of the massacre.
A panel of 12 jurors and 12 alternates was selected after attorneys questioned over 1,000 of the 9,000 residents of Arapahoe County who received summons since January, when jury selection began.
The trial is likely to hear some grisly and harrowing evidence.
AFP
