Judge denies attempts to bar Holmes’ execution

The judge in the Colorado theater shooting case has denied four more defense motions to bar the death penalty.

In rulings Thursday, the judge also denied two other defense motions but said they could be refiled after a second sanity evaluation of defendant James Holmes is completed.

One of those motions also sought to bar the death penalty.

Holmes pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of killing 12 people and injuring 70 in 2012.

He underwent a mandatory sanity evaluation last summer, but the judge ruled it was inadequate and ordered another, with a report due to the court in August.

Holmes’ lawyers have repeatedly asked the judge to rule out the death penalty. Each motion has been denied.

Holmes’ trial is scheduled to start in October.