Multiple charges for Colorado gunman suspect

The man accused of going on a shooting spree at a Colorado cinema has been formally charged with 142 counts of murder and attempted murder.

24-year-old James Holmes was making his second court appearance since being arrested over the rampage which killed 12 people.

Victims’ families and some of the 58 people injured during the screening of the latest Batman film were in court. Several remain in hospital, some in a critical condition.

Holmes spoke only once in court, answering “yes” when asked whether he understood the charges. He faces two murder counts for each victim. Prosecutors have yet to say whether they will seek the death penalty and may take weeks to decide.

The defence have asked for prosecutors to turn over evidence including a reported parcel sent by Holmes to a psychiatrist, said to contain a notebook outlining his plans.

Police have not yet offered a motive. The authorities have said that following his arrest, Holmes called himself “the Joker” in reference to Batman’s enemy.

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