CENTENNIAL — The jury’s final verdict marks the end of the Aurora theater shooting trial, but Judge Carlos Samour Jr. will have the final word.
The life sentence handed down by the jury Friday will be imposed formally by Samour during a sentencing hearing Aug. 24-26.
During that hearing, will impose the jury’s verdict formally and sentence James Holmes to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 24 counts of first-degree murder he was convicted of in July.
The judge also must determine Holmes’ sentences for each of the he was convicted of, including attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and possession of an explosive or incendiary device.
Family members of the 12 slain victims and the 70 surviving victims of the attack in the Century Aurora 16 theater on July 20, 2012, will have a chance to address Samour about after the shooting. Samour previously has said he will not set a limit on the number of victims and survivors who want to talk.
Victims will not be allowed to speak directly to Holmes.
Holmes will be given the chance to speak.
The jury convicted Holmes of 134 counts of attempted first-degree murder. Samour may sentence him to 12 to 48 years in prison for each of those counts.
For each of the six counts of attempted second-degree murder Holmes was convicted of, the judge may hand down a sentence of four to 12 years in prison.
He will be sentenced to two to six years in prison for the Class 4 felony charge of having explosives or incendiary devices in his Aurora apartment.
Samour might address Holmes directly before imposing the sentences.
