Aurora shooting trial postponed over sanity issue

The judge in the Colorado theater shootings case has indefinitely postponed the trial of James Holmes so attorneys can argue whether Holmes should undergo another psychiatric evaluation.

Holmes’ trial had been set to start in February. District Judge Carlos Samour postponed it Thursday and scheduled hearings on the issue for Dec. 17 and 18.

Holmes pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of killing 12 people and injuring 70 at an Aurora theater in July 2012. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and want Holmes to undergo further evaluation of his sanity.

The findings of Holmes’ first mental health evaluation, conducted at a state hospital, have not been publicly disclosed.