James Holmes, accused of mass killngs at the Aurora theatre in Colorado, has changed his plea to guilty to try to avoid the death penalty. (AP Photo/Denver Post, RJ Sangosti Source: AP
- Guilty plea might save James Holmes's life
- James Holmes allegedly shot dead 12 people
- Pictures: The Dark Knight Aurora cinema massacre
LAWYERS for Colorado theatre shooting suspect James Holmes say he will plead guilty and serve the rest of his life in prison to avoid the death penalty for the attack that killed 12 people and injured seven.
The offer comes just days before the prosecution was set to announce whether they would seek to have James Holmes put to death.
Inside the mind of Batman killer James Holmes
Prosecutors wouldn't say on Wednesday whether they'd go along with a plea deal, and likely will consult with victims of the Aurora cinema massacre and their families before deciding whether to accept the offer.
If they agree, the case that started on July 20 - when prosecutors say Holmes carried out the midnight massacre during a showing of the new Batman movie - could end quickly.
Defence lawyers say the only thing that would hinder Holmes changing his plea on Monday is the prosecution's decision.
James Holmes as a teenager, an adult and now an alleged killer in the Dark Knight Rises massacre. Source: AP
In the filing, Holmes' lawyers said they initially made the offer to plead guilty before Holmes' arraignment on March 12.
At that hearing, Holmes' lawyers told a judge they weren't ready to enter a plea, and the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
James Holmes appears in court at the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial, Colorado. Photo: AFP Source: AFP
Defence lawyers also said they're still exploring a mental health defence and "counsel will vigorously present and argue any and all appropriate defences at a trial or sentencing proceeding, as necessary".
Prosecutors say Holmes planned the assault for months, casing the theatre complex in Aurora, amassing a small arsenal and rigging potentially deadly booby-traps in his apartment.
Holmes acting as 'The Joker' behind bars, spitting at guards
Then he donned a police-style helmet and body armour, tossed a gas canister into the theatre crowd and opened fire, prosecutors said.
Nearly eight months later, the defence has dropped hints about Holmes' mental state but has given no clear statement on whether he would plead insanity.
Pictures: Dark Knight Aurora cinema shooting
Holmes, a former graduate student at the University of Colorado, Denver, had seen a psychiatrist at the school before the shootings.
Last week, his lawyers revealed he was taken to a hospital psychiatric ward in November because he was considered a threat to himself. Holmes was held for several days and spent much of the time in restraints.
The judge scheduled the trial to start on August 5, setting aside four weeks.
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