The man accused in the Colorado shooting case James Holmes returned to court on Monday to be charged with 24 counts of murder and 116 counts of attempted murder.

James opened fire during a screening of the new Batman film – the Dark Knight Rises, on July 20 and was later caught and produced in the court. The sad incident shook the nation forcing the legal authorities to punish the suspect severely. Besides the shooting case, James has also been booked for booby-trapped apartment which the authorities believe he rigged before leaving for the movie screening.

Denver defense attorney Peter Hedeen said, “It’s a much easier way for the prosecution to obtain a conviction. They throw as many charges up as they can. If you think you can prove it three different ways, you charge it three different ways.”

Holmes made his first appearance in the court last week, giving a glimpse of the inhuman killer who is a former doctoral candidate, but looked disheveled and despondent. Even after the prosecutors charged him he seemed unfazed by the hearings.

The 24-year old remained calm throughout the proceedings while prosecutors also wondered over the notebook containing the news reports and descriptions of the attack which Holmes sent to his psychiatrist.

The document filed by public defenders representing Holmes read, “The materials contained in that package include communications from Mr. Holmes to Dr. Fenton that Mr. Holmes asserts are privileged. Mr. Holmes was a psychiatric patient of Dr. Fenton, and his communications with her are protected.”

Related:

The Dark Knight Rises star Christian Bale visits Colorado shooting victims
Dark Knight massacre suspect makes bizarre first appearance in court