CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
The suspected gunman in the Colorado theater massacre made his first court appearance Monday morning saying nothing to the judge as he was told about the list of charges he faces.
Sporting his red and orange died hair, 24-year-old James Holmes appeared dazed and stared blankly for most of the 11 minute hearing.
Investigators said he's refusing to cooperate following the deadly shooting that left 12 dead and 58 wounded.
Holmes has refused to talk with police since he's been held in solitary confinement at an Arapahoe County detention facility.
Officials at the University of Colorado Medical Campus were looking into whether he used his position in a graduate program to collect hazardous materials.
Police said Holmes had been buying guns for two months at Denver area stores, and received at least 50 packages at his home and school.
Monday's hearing was what's called an advisement hearing, where James Holmes was advised of his constitutional rights, and that there appears to be probable cause to charge him with first degree murder.
Normally he would have to be officially charged within 72 hours, but the parties agreed that the charges will be delayed until July 30, at his next court hearing.
With help from his public defenders, he did stand when the judge arrived. He said nothing, his attorneys filed motions asking for access to the crime scene and his apartment, the judge granted those motions.
After Holmes is officially charged with first degree murder, it could be months before he enters a plea at his arraignment. While an insanity defense is definitely a possibility, his attorneys won't have to reveal their strategy for some time.
As for seeking the death penalty, prosecutors have 60 days from the date of his arraignment to make that call, and it will hinge largely on what they hear from victim's families.
"There's so much that victims have to take into account," Colorado District Attorney Carol Chambers said. "Victims will be impacted by that decision in an enormous way, if the death penalty is sought. That's a very long process that impacts their lives for years, and so they will want to have - and we will want to get - their input before we make any kind of a decision on that."
Because of Holmes' blank demeanor in court, prosecutors were asked if he's taking any medications.
They indicated he's been held in solitary confinement since his arrest but would not be privy to information regarding his medical situation.
He is being held without bond.
After the hearing, authorities released Holmes' mugshot. Lisa Damiani, a spokesperson for his parents, said they stand by their son. "
The family wants to reiterate that their hearts go out to the victims and their families," Damiani said. "The Holmes family would like to maintain their privacy. so at this time we will not be discussing James, or his relationship to the family."
Prosecutors will consult with victims' families before deciding whether to seek the death penalty. Holmes will be back in court a week from today, when he'll be formally charged. There won't be a decision on seeking the death penalty for several months.
