Questioning of jurors begins in theater shooting case

Jury selection in the Colorado theater shooting case has entered its second phase with the judge and lawyers on both sides asking prospective jurors how they feel about the death penalty and mental illness.

Attorneys on Wednesday began to individually question hundreds of people who were not excused after filling out lengthy questionnaires.

The first person questioned expressed some reservations about the death penalty but said she could keep an open mind.

She was asked to return for the next round of jury selection.

James Holmes sat at the defense table doodling and didn’t look up when District Attorney George Brauchler told the woman she might have to vote on whether to impose the death penalty against Holmes.

Holmes, 27, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the July 20, 2012, attack on a Denver-area movie theater that killed 12 people and injured 70 others.