'You could feel the anger in the room'

Written By Unknown on Monday, July 23, 2012 | 3:50 PM

The public gets its first glimpse of James Holmes, 24, the suspect in the Colorado theater shooting during his initial court appearance Monday, July 23. With his hair dyed reddish-orange, Holmes, here with public defender Tamara Brady, showed little emotion. He is accused of opening fire in a movie theater Friday, July 20, in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 people and wounding 58 others.The public gets its first glimpse of James Holmes, 24, the suspect in the Colorado theater shooting during his initial court appearance Monday, July 23. With his hair dyed reddish-orange, Holmes, here with public defender Tamara Brady, showed little emotion. He is accused of opening fire in a movie theater Friday, July 20, in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 people and wounding 58 others.
Police release the official photo from Holmes' booking after the shooting.Police release the official photo from Holmes' booking after the shooting.
Holmes often had a blank stare during his court appearance Monday, appearing to be in a daze. Holmes often had a blank stare during his court appearance Monday, appearing to be in a daze.
Victims and their relatives and journalists watch the proceedings Monday.Victims and their relatives and journalists watch the proceedings Monday.
Flags fly at half-staff Monday at the Arapahoe County Courthouse in Centennial, Colorado, where the movie theater shooting suspect had his first court appearance. The prosecutor held a press conference outside the courthouse.Flags fly at half-staff Monday at the Arapahoe County Courthouse in Centennial, Colorado, where the movie theater shooting suspect had his first court appearance. The prosecutor held a press conference outside the courthouse.
Arapahoe County District Attorney Carol Chambers talks to reporters Monday before heading into the courthouse. Chambers said the decision on whether to pursue the death penalty is a long process that involves input from victims and their families.Arapahoe County District Attorney Carol Chambers talks to reporters Monday before heading into the courthouse. Chambers said the decision on whether to pursue the death penalty is a long process that involves input from victims and their families.
Family members of the victims arrive at the courthouse Monday for the suspect's first court appearance.Family members of the victims arrive at the courthouse Monday for the suspect's first court appearance.
The Century Aurora 16 multiplex in Aurora becomes a place of horror after a gunman opened fire Friday in a crowded theater. At least 17 people remained hospitalized late Sunday, July 22, in the shooting rampage that shocked the nation. The Century Aurora 16 multiplex in Aurora becomes a place of horror after a gunman opened fire Friday in a crowded theater. At least 17 people remained hospitalized late Sunday, July 22, in the shooting rampage that shocked the nation.
Holmes is accused of opening fire during a midnight screening of the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." Holmes purchased four weapons and more than 6,000 rounds of ammunition in recent months, police say.Holmes is accused of opening fire during a midnight screening of the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." Holmes purchased four weapons and more than 6,000 rounds of ammunition in recent months, police say.
Police investigate outside the Century 16 multiplex Saturday, July 21, a day after the mass shooting. Authorities have been tight-lipped about a possible motive in the case.Police investigate outside the Century 16 multiplex Saturday, July 21, a day after the mass shooting. Authorities have been tight-lipped about a possible motive in the case.
Agents search the suspect's car outside the theater.Agents search the suspect's car outside the theater.
Aurora police escort a sand-filled dump truck containing improvised explosive devices removed from Holmes' booby-trapped apartment Saturday. Authorities have said they believe the suspect rigged his place before leaving for the movie theater. Aurora police escort a sand-filled dump truck containing improvised explosive devices removed from Holmes' booby-trapped apartment Saturday. Authorities have said they believe the suspect rigged his place before leaving for the movie theater.
Police break a window at the suspect's apartment Friday in Aurora.Police break a window at the suspect's apartment Friday in Aurora.
Law enforcement officers speak with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, center, outside the suspect's apartment Saturday. Law enforcement officers speak with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, center, outside the suspect's apartment Saturday.
Law enforcement officers prepare to disarm the booby-trapped apartment Saturday.Law enforcement officers prepare to disarm the booby-trapped apartment Saturday.
Officials tow cars outside Holmes' apartment Saturday. Police disassembled devices and trip wires set up in the apartment.Officials tow cars outside Holmes' apartment Saturday. Police disassembled devices and trip wires set up in the apartment.
Officers prepare to place an explosive device inside the apartment.Officers prepare to place an explosive device inside the apartment.
Debris flies out a window, right, after law enforcement officers detonate an explosive device inside the apartment Saturday.Debris flies out a window, right, after law enforcement officers detonate an explosive device inside the apartment Saturday.
People mourn the victims during a vigil behind the theater where a gunman opened fire on moviegoers in Aurora.People mourn the victims during a vigil behind the theater where a gunman opened fire on moviegoers in Aurora.
A woman grieves during a vigil for victims behind the theater.A woman grieves during a vigil for victims behind the theater.
A distraught woman receives counseling from Pastor Quincy Shannon, left, in front of Gateway High School in Aurora, where the families of the missing met following the shooting.A distraught woman receives counseling from Pastor Quincy Shannon, left, in front of Gateway High School in Aurora, where the families of the missing met following the shooting.
Lin Gan of Aurora holds back tears as she speaks to reporters about her experience in the Century 16 theater Friday.Lin Gan of Aurora holds back tears as she speaks to reporters about her experience in the Century 16 theater Friday.
People embrace before a vigil for victims behind the theater where a gunman opened fire on moviegoers.People embrace before a vigil for victims behind the theater where a gunman opened fire on moviegoers.
Investigators work on evidence near the apartment of James Holmes on Friday.Investigators work on evidence near the apartment of James Holmes on Friday.
Members of the Aurora Police Department SWAT unit walk near the apartment of James Holmes. Police have Holmes,24, of North Aurora, in custody.Members of the Aurora Police Department SWAT unit walk near the apartment of James Holmes. Police have Holmes,24, of North Aurora, in custody.
Television news crews gather in front of the home of Robert and Arlene Holmes, parents of 24-year-old mass shooting suspect James Holmes, in San Diego, California. on Friday.Television news crews gather in front of the home of Robert and Arlene Holmes, parents of 24-year-old mass shooting suspect James Holmes, in San Diego, California. on Friday.
A popcorn box lies on the ground outside the Century 16 movie theatre.A popcorn box lies on the ground outside the Century 16 movie theatre.
An NYPD officer keeps watch inside an AMC move theater where the film "The Dark Knight Rises" is playing in Times Square on Friday. NYPD is maintaining security around city movie theaters following the deadly rampage in Aurora, Colorado.An NYPD officer keeps watch inside an AMC move theater where the film "The Dark Knight Rises" is playing in Times Square on Friday. NYPD is maintaining security around city movie theaters following the deadly rampage in Aurora, Colorado.
Adariah Legarreta, 4, is comforted by her grandmother Rita Abeyta near the Century 16 Theater in Aurora.Adariah Legarreta, 4, is comforted by her grandmother Rita Abeyta near the Century 16 Theater in Aurora.
A cyclist and pedestrians pass a theater showing the latest Batman movie in Hollywood, California, on Friday. Warner Brothers said it was "deeply saddened" by Friday's massacre at a Colorado screening of "The Dark Knight Rises."A cyclist and pedestrians pass a theater showing the latest Batman movie in Hollywood, California, on Friday. Warner Brothers said it was "deeply saddened" by Friday's massacre at a Colorado screening of "The Dark Knight Rises."
Obama supporters observe a moment of silence for the victims at a campaign event at Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers, Florida, on Friday. Obama supporters observe a moment of silence for the victims at a campaign event at Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers, Florida, on Friday.
Jessica Ghawi, an aspiring sportscaster, was one of the victims.Jessica Ghawi, an aspiring sportscaster, was one of the victims.
A woman waits for news outside Gateway High School, a few blocks from the scene of the shooting at the Century Aurora 16.A woman waits for news outside Gateway High School, a few blocks from the scene of the shooting at the Century Aurora 16.
Aurora police chief Daniel J. Oates speaks at a press conference near the Century 16 Theater on Friday.Aurora police chief Daniel J. Oates speaks at a press conference near the Century 16 Theater on Friday.
Agents search the trash container outside the suspect's apartment in Aurora.Agents search the trash container outside the suspect's apartment in Aurora.
A Federal ATF officer carries protective gear onsite at the home of alleged shooting suspect James Holmes.A Federal ATF officer carries protective gear onsite at the home of alleged shooting suspect James Holmes.
Obama speaks on the shootings at the event in Fort Myers. Obama speaks on the shootings at the event in Fort Myers.
Moviegoers are interviewed at the Century Aurora 16.Moviegoers are interviewed at the Century Aurora 16.
Officers gathered at the theater Friday.Officers gathered at the theater Friday.
Investigators were a common sight at the theater Friday.Investigators were a common sight at the theater Friday.
Authorities gather at the shooting suspect's apartment building in Aurora. Police broke a second-floor window to look for explosives that the suspect claimed were in the apartment. Authorities gather at the shooting suspect's apartment building in Aurora. Police broke a second-floor window to look for explosives that the suspect claimed were in the apartment.
Screaming, panicked moviegoers scrambled to escape from the black-clad gunman, who wore a gas mask and randomly shot as he walked up the theater's steps, witnesses said.Screaming, panicked moviegoers scrambled to escape from the black-clad gunman, who wore a gas mask and randomly shot as he walked up the theater's steps, witnesses said.
University of Colorado Hospital spokeswoman Jacque Montgomery said that all of the wounded had injuries from gunshot wounds, ranging from minor to critical.University of Colorado Hospital spokeswoman Jacque Montgomery said that all of the wounded had injuries from gunshot wounds, ranging from minor to critical.
Onlookers gather outside the Century Aurora 16 theater.
Onlookers gather outside the Century Aurora 16 theater.
A woman sits on top of her car near the crime scene. A woman sits on top of her car near the crime scene.
Police block access to the Town Center mall after the shooting. Police block access to the Town Center mall after the shooting.
Cell phone video taken by someone at the theater showed scores of people screaming and fleeing the building. Some, like this man, had blood on their clothes.
Cell phone video taken by someone at the theater showed scores of people screaming and fleeing the building. Some, like this man, had blood on their clothes.
Witnesses told KUSA that the gunman kicked in an emergency exit door and threw a smoke bomb into the darkened theater before opening fire.Witnesses told KUSA that the gunman kicked in an emergency exit door and threw a smoke bomb into the darkened theater before opening fire.
What is believed to be the suspect's car is examined after the shooting. What is believed to be the suspect's car is examined after the shooting.
Police Chief Dan Oates said there was no evidence of a second gunman, and FBI spokesman Jason Pack said it did not appear the incident was related to terrorism.
Police Chief Dan Oates said there was no evidence of a second gunman, and FBI spokesman Jason Pack said it did not appear the incident was related to terrorism.
Repubican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney delivers remarks regarding the shooting in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater on Friday at a campaign event in Bow, New Hampshire. Repubican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney delivers remarks regarding the shooting in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater on Friday at a campaign event in Bow, New Hampshire.
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  • Shooting victim McKayla Hicks went to hearing for accused killer James Holmes
  • She said she could feel "all the anger that everyone had for" Holmes
  • The incident has changed her, said Hicks
  • A bullet lodged in Hicks' jaw -- doctors said it is safer to leave it there

Centennial, Colorado (CNN) -- McKayla Hicks sat in the courtroom Monday and stared at the man accused of a shooting spree that left her with a bullet in her jaw, killed a dozen people, and traumatized a community.

"I saw him and he's just this freak lookin' dude with some orange hair," the 17-year-old high school student said, calling suspect James Holmes "pathetic looking."

"You could feel in the room all the anger that everyone had for him," she said. "Everyone in America hates this guy."

She wants him to get the death penalty. "He tried to kill people," Hicks said. "So I think he needs to be killed."

Hicks was in the theater next door to the one in which a gunman opened fire at a midnight showing of the new Batman movie on Friday in Aurora.

One of the bullets -- she thinks it was early in the shooting spree -- pierced through the wall and into the theater she was in, slashing through her mouth and becoming lodged in her jaw.

It will stay there forever, in the lower left part of her jaw. Doctors tell her that removing it would cause too much nerve damage.

"I like the idea. I think it's cool that I have a bullet in my chin," she said with a smile, calling it "a souvenir."

James Holmes appears dazed in court

She considers herself lucky to be alive, and not injured worse.

Lori Schafer helped save her that night, and was in court with her Monday.

"It made it hit home," she said. "It wasn't just a picture on the TV anymore."

"I just want him to be where he's never going to be able to hurt someone again."

Hicks said that when she was shot, she didn't know what had happened. She started bleeding, but "thought someone had thrown something at me. And when I got up to leave the theater everyone else was still sitting down. So I was really upset, like, 'Who's personally doing this to me?' "

"Then we saw the victims from Theater Nine -- and I realized it wasn't just me."

Schafer, who will begin college in the fall, helped her out of the building, pulled a fire alarm, called 911, and helped get Hicks seated outside on a curb.

It was only then that she touched her face and realized there was a bullet in her.

"It changed me as a person," she said, adding, "I just don't take people for granted -- especially the ones that save your life."

"Being in a real life or death situation," she said, helped her realize that "the little things don't matter. It shows you what really does matter."

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