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Lawyers for Accused US Movie Theater Gunman Offer Guilty Plea


James Holmes in courtroom March 27, 2013
James Holmes in courtroom March 27, 2013
Attorneys for Colorado movie theater shooting suspect James Holmes have offered to have him plead guilty and accept a sentence of life in prison to avoid the death penalty.

Holmes' lawyers made their offer Wednesday. It must still be accepted by prosecutors, who have not yet decided whether to pursue the death penalty.

Holmes allegedly killed 12 people and wounded 58 when he threw a gas canister and opened fire in a theater during a midnight screening of the Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, last July.

The motive is still a mystery. But prosecutors say Holmes carefully planned his attack for months. Authorities say he also booby-trapped his apartment with explosives in case police stormed the place.

Holmes' lawyers have still not said if they would pursue an insanity defense if the case goes to trial.
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