Holmes jury selection to be open to public, media

The judge in the Colorado theater shootings case says jury selection will be open to the public and the news media.

The judge on Wednesday denied requests from prosecutors and the defense to close all or part of the process.

In a 29-page ruling, the judge said openness and media scrutiny will “enhance the reliability and fairness of the process.”

Jury selection is scheduled to start Oct. 14 for the trial of James Holmes, who pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of murder and attempted murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

The judge has said jury selection could take up to three months.

He plans to issue 6,000 summonses and expects 3,300 people will respond. The judge wants to seat 12 jurors and 12 alternates.