State Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, was anxiously awaiting a sentence on the life or death sentence for Aurora theater shooter James Holmes Friday afternoon, thinking about the victims and their families.
“It takes me back to when I was there,” she said before the verdict was announced.
In 2008, Fields awaited what ultimately became a death penalty sentence for Sir Mario Owens for killing her son, Javad Marshall-Fields and Marshall-Fields’ fiancee, Vivian Wolfe.in June 2005.
Marshall-Fields had been scheduled to testify in a murder trial involving Owens’ friend, Robert Ray, who was sentenced to death in 2009.
When the verdict of life in prison without parole for Holmes was delivered, Fields said she could accept the jury’s decision and appreciated the work of law enforcement and prosecutors to seek justice on behalf of those harmed by Holmes’ actions three years ago.
“I want to say congratulations to all the people who put their time and resources into this verdict,” she said. “If the verdict is to come back as life in prison without parole, I have to accept that.”
Other reaction:
“The past three years have been emotional and difficult for all involved. So many people have shown tremendous courage and strength—then and now. Our hearts will always remain with the families and the victims of this terrible tragedy. I thank the jurors for their dedication and service. And, I am grateful to our first responders for their heroism and compassion. As a community, Aurora continues to heal and stand strong.”
— Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan
“If death penalty is determined in a case, there is still a lengthy legal process including a sentencing hearing, Supreme Court review, etc. Protecting the integrity of active cases as they move through the judicial process is of the utmost importance to everyone involved so the governor will not comment:
— Office of Gov. John Hickenlooper before the verdict
“Our thoughts remain with the victims and families who have suffered unspeakable tragedy. No verdict can bring back what they have lost but we hope they begin to find peace and healing in the coming weeks.”
— Hickenlooper, after the verdict
“Today’s verdict proves again that the Death Penalty is arbitrary. Only people on Death row in CO are Black. It has no place in CO.”
— Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, on Twitter
“First and foremost our hearts go out to the victims and their families, who will never have their lives back and whom we must always keep in our prayers. My hope is that this sentence brings them some measure of closure and solace. I’m not going to second guess the jury’s verdict because this is the way our system works, but I continue to believe that the death penalty should be retained in Colorado as an option for circumstances and crimes that call for the ultimate punishment. Just because this jury, in this case, didn’t believe it was appropriate, doesn’t mean future juries should be denied that option.”
— Colorado Senate President Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs
“This evening, I am thinking about the victims of this awful tragedy and praying for their peace.”
— Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman
“The service of the jury was commendable having to go through such an emotional trial.”
— Rep. Joe Salazar, D-Commerce City, on Twitter
“We are now rightfully focused on the victims and their families. Seeking this justice after their loss is a critical part of their healing, but I know several of them have thrown themselves headlong into prevention. They have learned first-hand, the very hard way that guns are so easily accessed by those bent on destruction and many not so bent but pulling the trigger with tragic results any way. It is clear that investing in mental health treatment and gun safety are essential parts to stopping these horrible massacres in Colorado around our country. I know that some of the families that got justice today will continue to work toward that end tomorrow. “
— Former Colorado Senate President John Morse, D-Colorado Springs
“We should all be grateful to the jurors for their efforts to determine justice for our community. As a resident of the 18th Judicial District, I am proud of District Attorney Brauchler and Judge Samour for their professionalism and leadership during the trial.”
— Sen. Chris Holbert, R-Parker
“Upon hearing the final verdict of the Aurora shooting trial, I am reminded of the murder of my own father. The anger, pain, and loss are as real as if the incident occurred today. My heart is broken for both the victims of this horrific crime, as well as the perpetrator of the crime. I am saddened for the families who will now live with this decision for the days, months and years to come. My hope is that the days ahead will bring opportunities for transforming our lives and our communities in ways that can rid violence and bring justice, healing, and wholeness for all.”
— Colorado Senate Democratic leader Lucia Guzman, D-Denver
“All that time. All that upheaval. To get to the exact outcome, per the plea offer a year or more ago.”
— Colorado political analyst Eric Sondermann
“I have heard many people, with the best of intentions, say that they would be happy when this phase of the process is complete so that those directly affected can have closure. The truth of the matter is there will never be closure. All those directly impacted will carry with them the physical and or emotional scars the suspect inflicted for the rest of their lives. What we can do, however, is to support their journey towards healthy healing.”
— Aurora Police Chief Nicholas Metz
“The jury recognized that executing someone with severe mental illness is morally and legally indefensible. It is fortunate that Colorado will not be in the terrible position of having to do so. Furthermore, this verdict means the victims and their family members will be spared from years of appeals and from having to relive the details of that night over and over.
“This verdict shows that Colorado, like the rest of the country, is moving away from the death penalty.”
— Denise Maes, policy director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado
“The sentence does not wipe away the huge tragedy of this case. Colorado’s death penalty is a failed public policy that cannot be repaired. The death penalty extracts a huge toll on the families of murder victims, is unfairly applied, and costs millions in taxpayer dollars. All this, with no deterrent effect on criminal behavior. The CCDB and our allies will continue to fight to abolish this great injustice.”
— Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
