Prosecutors have outlined their case against James Holmes, the American student charged with shooting a dozen people to death at a screening of a "Batman" film at a cinema in Colorado last July.
Arapahoe County District Judge William Sylvester ruled that prosecutors had shown probable cause that Holmes committed the crimes and ordered him bound for trial on all counts.
He said Holmes should continue to be held without bail.
Families of victims watched proceedings take place
The survivors and families of those killed in a mass shooting at a cinema in Colorado have been hearing harrowing evidence in court of the moment police arrived at the scene.
James Holmes is accused of murdering 12 people and injuring 58 others in just one of a series of massacres that have blighted America.
Legal analysts say Holmes could accept plea agreement
James Holmes being escorted by a deputy as he arrives at preliminary hearing in district court in Centennial, Colorado Credit: AP Photo/Bill Robles, Pool
Prosecutors have outlined their case against James Holmes, charged with shooting a dozen people to death at a screening of a "Batman" film at a cinema in Colorado last July.
According to legal analysts, the evidence appears to be so strong that Holmes may accept a plea agreement before trial.
If this happens, it could mean that the victims and their families, might be spared the trauma of going through a lengthy trial.
James Holmes, 25, faces more than 160 charges Credit: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office/PA
Prosecutors have outlined their case against the American student charged with shooting a dozen people to death at a cinema in Colorado last July.
The hearing today, in which James Holmes, 25, faces more than 160 charges including first degree murder and attempted murder, will determine whether the case will go to trial.
According to investigators, Holmes was wearing body armour and a gas mask when he opened fire and tossed two gas canisters into the cinema on July 20th.
Twelve people died and 58 were wounded in the cinema which was screening the latest Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises.
Suspect in 'Batman' shooting to return to court in US
Colorado shooting suspect James Eagan Holmes at his first court appearance in July 2012 Credit: REUTERS/RJ Sangosti/Pool
The American student charged with shooting a dozen people to death at a screening of a "Batman" film at a cinema in Colorado last July will return to court today for a preliminary hearing.
James Holmes, 25, faces more than 160 charges including first degree murder and attempted murder.
The purpose of the preliminary hearing, which will last around a week, is for prosecutors to try to convince a judge they have enough evidence to put him on trial.
