Defense in Colorado Shooting Trial: Survivors Should Not Testify About Injury Impacts

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — Defense attorneys in the Colorado theater shooting trial are trying to keep jurors from knowing the worst details by objecting to emotional testimony and pictures with even small amounts of blood.

James Holmes’ attorneys want to keep jurors focused on whether he was legally insane, not the nightmare of the attack. Prosecutors have called dozens of witnesses, each with tragic stories.

Defense attorneys argue that survivors should not be allowed to testify about the long-term impacts of their injuries. They even suggested that a pregnant woman who was paralyzed in the shooting be barred from talking about her miscarriage.

Experts say the defense will have a hard time tamping down the gory details. Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to killing 12 and injuring 70.