Widow sues psychiatrist in Colo. theater shootings

The widow of a man killed in the Colorado movie theater shootings is suing a psychiatrist who once saw suspect James Holmes as a patient, saying the doctor should have asked police to detain Holmes before the shootings.

Chantel Blunk filed suit in Denver federal court Monday alleging psychiatrist Lynne Fenton was negligent in not asking police to place a psychiatric hold on Holmes. The lawsuit says Holmes told Fenton he fantasized about killing people.

Fenton works at the University of Colorado, where Holmes was a student. Authorities say Holmes withdrew about five weeks before opening fire in the theater, killing 12, including Blunk’s husband, Jonathan.

Holmes is charged with murder and attempted murder but hasn’t entered a plea.

The university says the lawsuit isn’t well founded legally or factually.