James Holmes, responsible for the killings and the victimization of several people from the audience in the Aurora theater after he sprayed bullets on the screening of The Dark Knight Rises, was said to be mentally ill by his attorneys on Thursday. However, the nature of his illness is yet to be assessed they said, asking for more time for the examinations.

The 24 year Holmes was earlier a PhD student at the University of Colorado with a degree in Neuroscience. He appeared dazed in his appearance at the court after he was arrested for the Colorado shootings at a midnight screening in Denver killing12 people and injuring 58 others.

Daniel King the Defense attorney has asked for more information after making the revelation regarding the mental condition of Holmes. He requested for a full disclosure to continue with the procedures of the court. University psychiatrist Lynne Fenton was being sought for help to learn if there was a doctor patient relationship between them

The victims on the other hand shared different views while a few of them said that he should not be excused after such gruesome killings though he is mentally ill.

There are also contradictions on the veracity of the claims of mental illness and hence the evidence is crucial for the case. He could be saved from the trial if the court considers him mentally ill. Or even if he goes to trial and is convicted he could avoid death penalty on the same grounds.

(AW- Anil)