CNN is reporting new details about the immediate aftermath of the Aurora theater shooting this morning as the preliminary hearing of suspect James Holmes continues today. A police officer testified that Holmes “seemed very detached from it all.” Other officers described the chaos and confusion at the scene as they tried to help victims. More witnesses will take the stand today. The hearing will ultimately determine whether there is probable cause for a trial. Criminal Defense Attorney Joey Jackson comes to “Early Start” this morning to discuss the latest developments.
Prosecutors are presenting their evidence against Holmes in this preliminary hearing. Jackson explains that, while the jury is watching, “the judge is examining is all of the evidence to determine whether or not that evidence meets the standard of having him legally held and, of course, having the trial move forward.” He thinks the judge will make that determination and move forward to that trial. “And that's when there will be fireworks.”
Jackson also offers his idea of whether there will be a plea deal. "I think with this mounting evidence,” he says, “it would be incumbent upon the defense team to contemplate a plea deal, particularly if they're looking to save his life which might be something that would entice them to say ‘I’m guilty.’”