DA Brauchler's Post Verdict Statement on the James Holmes Trial

By Jeralyn, Section Colorado News
Posted on Fri Aug 07, 2015 at 07:28:04 PM EST
Tags: James Holmes, Aurora Theater Shootings (all tags)

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Live blog: DA George Brauchler begins his press conference with a reading of the names of the 12 victims who died in the Aurora theater shootings.

He refuses to use James Holmes' name, calling him "that guy."

He says even though the verdict didn't go his way, and that his view of justice called for a death sentence, "those jurors did a helluva job."

While he's disappointed in the outcome, he is not disappointed in the process and he still believes in the system. He praises the jurors.

He talks about the work of the police officers and how they prevented many more injuries.[More...]

He then turned the microphone over to Aurora police chief Nick Metz. Metz says there will never be closure for the victims and their families.

My view: A death sentence would not bring closure either. James Holmes was not acquitted. He was not found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was convicted and will receive a sentence of life in prison without parole. Nothing would have brought closure, but the victims did get justice.

Brauchler made a nice statement, but it should be remembered that Brauchler could have avoided the prolonged trial and huge expense associated it with it by accepting Holmes' offer before trial to plead guilty to all charges and accept a life sentence.

< James Holmes Sentenced to Life In Prison | Friday Night Open Thread >

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DA Brauchler's Post Verdict Statement on the James Holmes Trial | 6 comments (6 topical)

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How does he justify the millions spent (none / 0) (#1)
by scribe on Sat Aug 08, 2015 at 01:06:28 PM EST

and all the courtroom time wasted on a case where he was offered a plea to LWOP well before trial started, rejected it, and still got LWOP? He wanted to and did spend all that money and time just for the feelings of survivors - who won't get any of their deceased back.

Will this adversely affect his political ambitions? (Let's hope so.)

: not necessarily (none / 0) (#2)
by nyjets on Sat Aug 08, 2015 at 02:43:32 PM EST

At least some people in his area probable believe in the death penalty and believed that the defendant deserved the death penalty.

: If the Death Penalty Is Legal... (none / 0) (#3)
by ScottW714 on Mon Aug 10, 2015 at 12:41:16 PM EST

...surely you are going to try to get it for any mass shooting. While not the prosecutors job, I think it's their responsibility to try and get death in capital cases. Cost should not be a factor in the decision, but it should be a factor when they legalize state murder.
If you don't use it for mass murders who would you possibly use it for ?

I Think Our Politicians... (none / 0) (#4)
by ScottW714 on Mon Aug 10, 2015 at 12:43:42 PM EST

...cough, cough, republican presidential hopefuls, should take note, this is how you handle a loss, no calling for armed resurrection because the decision was not the one you wanted.

Hate the decision, respect the process.

Not so much. (none / 0) (#5)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Aug 10, 2015 at 07:21:42 PM EST

George doesn't have respect for the process...

The Judge on Brauchler's "accidental" texting while court was in session, which ultimately led to several jurors being dismissed:

If you're bored, and don't want to pay attention to the proceedings, then you're welcome to leave...out of respect for the court, when you're in here, you should not be texting or tweeting or anything like that. You should be paying attention to what's happening in here.

The only thing Brauchler cares about is his own (gone for now) political ambitions.

George the day after the verdict looking for someone, anyone to blame other than himself.


: I Will Buy That... (none / 0) (#6)
by ScottW714 on Tue Aug 11, 2015 at 11:22:11 AM EST

...but I wasn't discussing his behavior, just the statement and how it related to republican statements regarding the SCOTUS decision on gay marriage namely, and ACA to a lesser degree.