Those who knew the 24-year-old man in custody for the mass shooting at a Colorado movie theater describe him as a shy, intelligent person who grew up in San Diego with parents who were active in their well-to-do suburban neighborhood.
James Holmes, who was studying neuroscience in a Ph.D. program in Colorado, grew up in San Diego, where his parents still live on a quiet, street of two-story homes with red tile roofs. He played soccer at Westview High School and ran cross country before going to college to study neuroscience.
Neighbors say the family belonged to a Presbyterian church and hosted a Christmas party for residents.
"Our hearts go out to those who were involved in this tragedy and to the families and friends of those involved," Holmes' family said in a written statement Friday. "We ask that the media respect our privacy during this difficult time."
Police in Colorado said Holmes fired into a crowded movie theater in the Denver suburb of Aurora while wearing a gas mask, killing 12 people and wounding 59 others. He was in police custody in Colorado and the FBI said there was no indication the attack was tied to any terrorist groups.
Jackie Mitchell, an Aurora neighbor, said he recognized Holmes' photo on television and he described the suspect as smart with a "swagger."
Anthony Mai, a 16-year-old who grew up next door to Holmes, described the suspect as "solitary" person who largely kept to himself but his behavior was nothing out of the ordinary.
"He felt a little bit concealed, but it wasn't too much. It was alright" he said. "This is just a feeling in my gut, but I felt like he had something, like he was being picked on or something."
Holmes graduated from University of California, Riverside, in the spring of 2010 with a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience, said university spokesman Sean Nealon.
In 2011, Holmes enrolled in the Ph.D. neuroscience program at the University of Colorado-Denver but was in the process of withdrawing, said spokeswoman Jacque Montgomery.
Friday, May 24 2013 3:29 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:29:58 GMT
The National Park Service is ending unpaid leave for U.S. Park Police officers earlier than expected. National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said the furloughs will end on June 3, after just
The National Park Service is ending unpaid leave for U.S. Park Police officers earlier than expected. National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said the furloughs will end on June 3, after just
A day after laying out his counterterrorism vision, President Barack Obama is addressing future military leaders who could help carry it out in a speech to U.S. Naval Academy graduates.
With a growing sexual assault epidemic staining the military, President Barack Obama urged U.S. Naval Academy graduates Friday to remember their honor depends on what they do when nobody is looking and said the crime has "no...
Friday, May 24 2013 8:33 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:33:54 GMT
As many as 12,000 homes were destroyed by a tornado that ripped through Oklahoma on Monday. Countless residents are unable to return home while repairs are made.
As many as 12,000 homes were destroyed by a tornado that ripped through Oklahoma on Monday. Countless residents are unable to return home while repairs are made. President Barack Obama is expected to visit with residents and state leaders on Sunday. A memorial service for all the victims will also be held.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:04 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:04:02 GMT
The National Hurricane Center is changing the way it talks about storm surge in hopes that emergency officials, the media and the public can better understand the dangerous phenomenon.
The National Hurricane Center is changing the way it talks about storm surge in hopes that emergency officials, the media and the public can better understand the dangerous phenomenon.
The Washington State Patrol says the Interstate 5 bridge over the Skagit River at Mount Vernon has collapsed, dumping vehicles and people into the water.
An Interstate 5 bridge over a river collapsed north of Seattle Thursday evening, dumping two vehicles into the water and sparking a rescue effort by boats and divers as three injured people were pulled from the chilly...
Sunday, May 26 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-26 04:01:47 GMT
Suffolk County police arrested a man who was driving drunk with his daughter in the car after he caused a three-car crash on Long Island Friday afternoon.
Suffolk County police arrested a man who was driving drunk with his daughter in the car after he caused a three-car crash on Long Island Friday afternoon.
Sunday, May 26 2013 12:00 AM EDT2013-05-26 04:00:59 GMT
While some business may be have been dismal at the beaches, a lot of people who needed to venture out and keep busy Saturday found things to do – and stay dry.
While some business may be have been dismal at the beaches, a lot of people who needed to venture out and keep busy Saturday found things to do – and stay dry.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:52 PM EDT2013-05-26 02:52:40 GMT
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel congratulated the cadets at West Point's commencement ceremony Saturday, but warned them they have a tough road ahead. He praised how far the military has come
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel congratulated the cadets at West Point's commencement ceremony Saturday, but warned them they have a tough road ahead. He praised how far the military has come
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:27 PM EDT2013-05-26 02:27:43 GMT
New Yorkers that have visited City Island in the summer know it gets really busy, especially on Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, it was pretty much a ghost town thanks to the cold, rainy weather.
New Yorkers that have visited City Island in the summer know it gets really busy, especially on Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, it was pretty much a ghost town thanks to the cold, rainy weather.
Saturday, May 25 2013 9:26 PM EDT2013-05-26 01:26:30 GMT
New Yorkers know that finding street parking is not easy. Drivers can circle for a minute or even an hour – and even then you still may not find that parking spot.
New Yorkers know that finding street parking is not easy. Drivers can circle for a minute or even an hour – and even then you still may not find that parking spot.
Saturday, May 25 2013 8:49 PM EDT2013-05-26 00:49:32 GMT
AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.42, up 3 cents from last week. But that's still lower than the price from a year ago
AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.42, up 3 cents from last week. But that's still lower than the price from a year ago
Saturday, May 25 2013 8:47 PM EDT2013-05-26 00:47:11 GMT
Internal Affairs officers on Saturday were looking into allegations made by actress Amanda Bynes that NYPD officers sexually assaulted her when she was charged with heaving a marijuana bong out the window
Internal Affairs officers on Saturday were looking into allegations made by actress Amanda Bynes that NYPD officers sexually assaulted her when she was charged with heaving a marijuana bong out the window
Saturday, May 25 2013 6:52 PM EDT2013-05-25 22:52:40 GMT
It once was an accepted tactic as old as policing itself and, according to the NYPD, a key to the city's dramatic drop in crime: patrol officers stopping young men on the street to see if they're up to no good.
It once was an accepted tactic as old as policing itself and, according to the NYPD, a key to the city's dramatic drop in crime: patrol officers stopping young men on the street to see if they're up to no good.
Saturday, May 25 2013 6:36 PM EDT2013-05-25 22:36:58 GMT
Members of the American Legion Post 1 honored their own this Memorial Day. The veterans association decorated the graves of veterans at the Cemetery of the Madonna in Leonia Saturday morning.
Members of the American Legion Post 1 honored their own this Memorial Day. The veterans association decorated the graves of veterans at the Cemetery of the Madonna in Leonia Saturday morning.
Saturday, May 25 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-25 22:25:11 GMT
Authorities are investigating the death of a 4-week old baby in the Bronx Saturday morning. Police say they were contacted by officials from North Central Bronx Hospital around 9:50 a.m.
Authorities are investigating the death of a 4-week old baby in the Bronx Saturday morning. Police say they were contacted by officials from North Central Bronx Hospital around 9:50 a.m.
