Aurora Shooting: James Holmes Trial To Start

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By Sky News US Team

Jury selection is set to begin in the trial of the man accused of killing a dozen people at a Colorado movie theatre.

An unprecedented jury pool of 9,000 people will be narrowed down to a 12-member panel tasked with deciding James Holmes' fate.

Holmes, now 27, faces charges of aggravated murder, attempted murder and possession of explosives for the July 2012 attack in Aurora.

Twelve people were killed and 70 wounded when Holmes threw smoke bomb-type devices and opened fire on theatregoers at a screening of The Dark Knight Rises.

He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

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Gallery: James Holmes In Court On July 2012

A day of drama in Colorado as the suspect in the Aurora cinema massacre appeared in court. James Holmes' dazed appearance led observers to question whether he may have been sedated

There was a tense atmosphere in court as the suspect made his first appearance

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Holmes appeared in court with his hair dyed bright orange and wearing a prison-issued uniform

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At times PhD student Holmes opened his eyes wide and appeared to pay close attention to the proceedings

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Families of the cinema massacre victims were among those looking on in the public gallery

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His attorneys have said he was in the grip of a psychotic episode when he barged into the Century 16 cinema in suburban Denver.

Experts say it is rare to have a mass shooter appear in court to face charges - many either are killed by police or commit suicide.

"The public is going to get an insight into the mind of a killer who says he doesn't know right from wrong," said Alan Tuerkheimer, a Chicago-based jury consultant.

"It is really rare. It just doesn't usually come to this."

Holmes faces a possible death sentence if jurors find him guilty. If he is found not guilty, he would be committed to a mental hospital.

In a letter recently published by The Denver Post, Holmes' parents pleaded for their son to be spared the death penalty.

They wrote: "He is not a monster. He is a human being gripped by a severe mental illness."

The former neuroscience student stunned observers during initial court appearances with his flaming orange hair similar to the Batman character the Joker.

Holmes has undergone two psychiatric examinations since his arrest and much of the trial is expected to be devoted to psychiatric testimony.

Opening statements are not expected to begin for at least another three months.

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