Aurora mother pays for son's cellphone bill more than a year after his death . Alex Ewing, 60, was charged with first-degree murder in the Bennett family killing in 2018, after his DNA was matched to genetic material collected from the crime scenes at the Bennetts home. DNA evidence ties Ewing to the crime. At first the judge ordered a delinquency charge but the Colorado Supreme Court ordered the murder charge reinstated. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The assault occurred in Henderson, Nevada, after which Alex Ewing was arrested and remained incarcerated at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City, Nevada. He displayed photos of camping trips and family vacations with Holmes to the jury. Police arrived and took Martinez, his grandfather and the family friend to the station to interview them. January 27, 1984: Ewing attacks a man in Kingman, Arizona in his home; beats man's head with a hammer. [50], Twelve fatalities were reported along with 70 injuries. About 20 minutes into the film, he left theater 9 through an emergency exit door beside the movie screen, with direct access to the lightly used parking area at the back of the complex, while propping the door slightly open with a plastic tablecloth holder. He had serious brain damage and an injury to his right eye from a shotgun blast to the head, and underwent three brain surgeries. Murder-suicide in upscale home. ", "Aurora heroes: Three who gave their lives", "Colorado shooting survivor tells how Crystal Lake boyfriend John Larimer shielded her before he died", "A look at the Lives of Colorado shooting victims", "People of the State of Colorado v. James Eagan Holmes", "Why Jessica Ghawi Wrote Under The Name Redfield: Moving Stories From The Shooting Victim's Colleagues", "Remembering aspiring sports journalist a year after Aurora shooting", "Jessica Ghawi: Victim of Colorado theatre shooting was also at Eaton Centre shooting", "Theater Shooting Victims Are 4 Months Old To Adults", "Hospital bills forgiven for Colorado shooting victims", "Woman who lost everything caps prosecution in Holmes trial", "Comedy helps pull Caleb Medley through tragedy of Aurora shootings", "Caleb Medley Recovery: Last Aurora Shooting Victim Leaves Colo. Hospital", "James Holmes guilty of murder in Colorado theater massacre; jury to weigh death penalty", "Shooting Victims Gain Veto Power in Donation Distribution", "Aurora movie theater shooting victims to respond to surveys", "Theater shooting: Payments from Aurora victim fund set, families of the dead get $220,000", James Holmes Mugshot: Aurora Shooting Suspect's Booking Picture Released" (PHOTO), Alex Brandon (AP), "Again appearing dazed in court, Holmes charged| Prosecutors and defense attorneys spar over whether a notebook that he reportedly sent to a psychiatrist is privileged information", "Colo. These were defused by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad a day after the shooting. In the first 38 days of 2023, we've seen 46 officers shot (+109% from 2020 YTD). [7] Police said that Holmes bought a ticket, entered the theater, and sat in the front row. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold, In Britain, warm hubs emerge to beat soaring energy, Family of Aurora man in police video speaks out, Potholes return to Evergreen road known for problems, Makar cleared to return from 2nd concussion protocol, Mercer has goal, 3 assists as Devils beat Avalanche, Racism case against Broncos, NFL going to court, Rockies among 17 teams MLB may take over broadcasts, Jokic has 100th triple-double as Nuggets down Rockets, Sean Payton tried to lure Vic Fangio back to Denver, found dead in their Aurora home Saturday night, Arrest made after 3 people found shot to death in Aurora home, Man shoots bowler who bumped into him, receives 23 years, 17-year-old charged as adult for attempted murder of police officer, Best smart home devices for older users, according, How to get started on spring cleaning early, according, Worried about your student using ChatGPT for homework? [55] Four people's eyes were irritated by the tear gas grenades, while eight others sustained non-gunshot injuries while fleeing the theater. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. AURORA, Neb. Dunlap had recently been fired from Chuck E Cheese. Earlier, he had rigged his apartment with homemade explosives and incendiary devices. Melissa was killed and sexually assaulted in the bedroom she shared with her sister. Martinezs grandmother then told detectives about the conversation she had with him at 1:30 a.m. On the call, he allegedly said he went to the Aurora house and was doing shots of tequila with Estancia, Marisol and Kaden. Other famous mass murders in Colorado include the 1999 Columbine High School Massacre and the 2012 Aurora, Colorado . A 21-year-old man with connections to his alleged victims was arrested and jailed on murder charges following the discovery of three . [citation needed], On January 2, 2013, prosecutors and defense attorneys in the case returned to court in advance of the preliminary hearing, the public's first officially sanctioned look at the evidence, due to the gag order. Thirty-seven-and-a-half years ago, Connie, now 87, said Wednesday. December 11, 2022 / 9:35 AM / CBS Colorado. Shooting Suspect is Mentally ill", "Prosecutors: Colo. suspect James Holmes made threat in March", "Aurora prosecutors drop fight for James Holmes' notebook", "Colorado Theater Shooting Lawyers Head Back to Court", "Aurora theater shooting: Cops took pill bottles from Holmes' apartment", "Aurora cinema massacre suspect James Holmes offers to plead guilty", "James Holmes prosecutors seek death penalty against Aurora suspect", "Judge considering another James Holmes trial delay", "Details emerge about jury picked for Colorado theater shooting trial", Colorado movie gunman not faking psychosis, defense witness says, "Facts, emotions take turn at Colorado theater shooting trial", "Aurora theater trial jurors see James Holmes' evidence", "Aurora movie theater shooting: Attorneys who'll be trying to prove James Holmes' guilt or innocence", "Aurora theater shooting notebook details aired for first time", "James Holmes' notebook read to jury in Colorado movie massacre trial", "Psychiatrist: Colorado shooter knew what he was doing", "Second psychiatrist concludes Colorado cinema gunman was sane", "Judge in Colorado theater shooting trial dismisses 3rd juror", "Theater shooter's ex asked him to see therapist", "Judge dismisses fifth juror in Colorado movie theater shooting trial", "Movie theater gunman says he will not testify", "Defense in Colorado theater shooting trial rests its case", "James Holmes Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in Colorado Theater Mass Shooting, Shows No Reaction", "James Holmes guilty of murder in Aurora theater shooting", "Colorado death penalty in focus as massacre trial enters new phase", "James Holmes jury find aggravating factors exist, moves on to second phase", "Father of Colorado movie gunman pleads with jury for his life", "James Holmes Defense Make Final Appeal For Mercy", "James Holmes moves closer to death penalty verdict", "Why James Holmes Is a Step Closer to Facing the Death Penalty", "Theater shooting verdict: James Holmes sentenced to life in prison", "James Holmes sentenced to life in prison in the Aurora theater shooting", "Aurora movie theater shooter James Holmes to be sentenced to life in prison", "WATCH LIVE: Day 2 in the sentencing of Aurora theater shooting gunman", "Tearful Vigils Remember Victims of Aurora Massacre", "Obama Colorado Shooting Proclamation: Flags To Be Flown at Half Staff for Victims", "Obama, Romney pull Colorado ads off air in wake of Aurora shooting", "Obama, Romney express condolences for Colorado shooting victims", "Aurora shooting: Obama says all US stands with victim", "Obama Consoles Aurora as City Begins Healing", "After Aurora shootings, Obama Again Takes on Role as Healer in Chief in Colorado", "President Barack Obama Visits Aurora Victims' Families and Survivors", "Message of condolence following recent tragic events in the USA, 20 July 2012", "Communiqu Fusillade dans un cinma amricain", "PM Netanyahu Sends Condolence Letter to US President Barack Obama Following the Massacre in Aurora, Colorado", "Condolences to US President Barack Obama", "Pope Promises Prayers for Denver Victims", "Dark Knight Rises Director Christopher Nolan Breaks Silence on 'Unbearably Savage' Colorado Shooting", "Warner Bros. Cancels 'Dark Knight Rises' Premieres in Mexico and Japan", "Batman film Marketing Campaign Scaled Down in Finland", "Batman-elokuvan nettikampanja keskeytettiin Suomessa", "In Wake of Shooting, 'The Dark Knight Rises' Won't Report Early Box Office Figures", "Warner Bros. Said to Pull Some TV Ads for 'Dark Knight', "Box office Update: Studios Not Releasing Numbers Today", "Warner Bros. To Make 'Substantial' Donation to Colorado Shooting Victims", "Christopher Nolan on Theater Shooting: 'I Would Like to Express Our Profound Sorrow', "Dark Knight Rises Shooting: Christian Bale Visits Victims in Hospital", "Colorado Rockies pay visit to Aurora shooting survivors and hospital staff", "Gangster Squad Trailer Yanked from Internet, Dark Knight Rises Following Colorado Shooting", "Warner Bros Pulls Trailer of Gangster Shooting Up Movie Theater", "Out of respect for grieving families, "Gangster Squad" scene refilmed after Aurora theater shootings", "BATMAN INC No. [48] On July 23, police finished collecting evidence from the apartment. On March 22, an unknown gunman was seen on livestream rampaging through a grocery store with an AR-15-style rifle in Boulder, Colorado. Investigators allege Ewing entered the home, perhaps through an open garage door, and killed Bruce, who he encountered just outside the master bedroom, perhaps because Bruce had gotten up to investigate a noise, or to chase Ewing out of the bedroom. [45][46][47], A police official said a Batman mask was found in the apartment. Aurora, Colorado Nathan Dunlap visits his former place of employment, shoots 5 former co-workers killing 4, and robs the store of $1,500. The violence against cops in this country shows no signs of slowing down. [99], On July 16, after jury deliberations, Holmes was found guilty of 24 counts of first-degree murder, 140 counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of possessing illegal explosives, and a sentence enhancement of a crime of violence. Joseph Castorena, 21, went on the run after he allegedly fatally shot four people in an Aurora home on Oct. 30, with his brother and cousin now facing charges of accessory to murder after the fact . [86], The trial started on April 27, 2015. Hammer Killer suspect to stand trial 37 years, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Get to know all 17 Denver mayor candidates , Hammer Killer suspect to stand trial 37 years after slaying of Aurora family, Colorado Hammer Killer suspect wont face death penalty in 1984 slayings, Murder suspect known as the Hammer Killer arrives in Colorado decades after cold case killings shook metro region, Ruthless hammer killer put Denver residents on edge in early 1984, 1984 Colorado hammer killer was no criminal mastermind, just an average burglar who evolved into a predator, FBI profiler says, Missing indigenous person alert issued out of Thornton for endangered teen, Man wanted in Adams County on 13 counts of child sex assault is arrested in Denver, After teens death, Denver East High students walk out to advocate for gun legislation, spree of attacks by the so-called Hammer Killer duringa 12-day span, Ewing was imprisoned just months after the killings, After School Satan Club launching first Colorado chapter, but organizer promises "we are not devil worshippers", PHOTOS: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band play Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado landlords say eviction-protection proposal could make dropping problem renters too hard, No more greasy pizza boxes, paper towels or takeout containers in Front Range compost bins come April 1, After teen's death, Denver East High students walk out to advocate for gun legislation, 5 can't-miss menus for Denver Restaurant Week, Metro Denver housing market crosses firmly into negative territory in February, Denver Botanic Gardens announces 2023 Summer Concert Series lineup, Kiszla: With Brendan Rodgers down and out, Kris Bryant could become $182 million face of worst team in Rockies history, Boulder house where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. On March 3, 1967, Charles Brett Lange was found legally insane & sent to the Colorado State Hospital instead of prison. The jury found Ewing guilty on . [44], Neighbors reported loud music from the apartment around midnight on the night of the massacre, and one went to his door to tell him she was calling the police; she said the door seemed to be unlocked, but she chose not to open it. Though it was difficult to see the kaleidoscopic colours with the naked eye due to light pollution . Police say DNA evidence links Alex Ewing to the 1984 murders of three members of Bruce and Debra Bennett and their 7-year-old daughter Melissa, left. Ewing was found guilty on Aug 6, 2021 in the 1984 Bennett family Murders in Aurora, Colorado. [113] President Barack Obama ordered flags at government buildings flown at half-staff, in tribute to the victims, until July 25. [57][58] The people murdered were:[59][60], Ghawi had survived the Eaton Centre shooting in Toronto that occurred a month prior. Updated: 1:48 PM MST March 1, 2023. [63], The injured were treated at Children's Hospital Colorado, Denver Health Medical Center, The Medical Center of Aurora, Parker Adventist Hospital, Rose Medical Center, Swedish Hospital, and University Hospital. Looked sideways at people in the grocery store. As these murders occurred in 1986, Ewing is sentenced under those laws. I believe movies are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime. [181] The reopening ceremony, which was boycotted by opponents of the theater's reopening, included a memorial service and a screening of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. "[84], Jury selection started on January 20, 2015. [37], Following his arrest, Holmes was initially jailed at the Arapahoe County Detention Center, under suicide watch. He then dragged Marisol into the bedroom with Estancia and shot them. The trial began on April 27, 2015. The crime spree known as the Colorado Hammer murders seemed to begin in Aurora in the early morning hours of January 4th, 1984. Colorado residents are once again shocked and heartbroken and struggling to understand why mass shootings keep happening in their state. The following day, a woman died after an assault in the area of East Colfax Avenue and North Emporia Street around 6 a.m. [85] It ended on April 15, 2015. Unfortunately, yes. Regardless, it's another victory in what has been a historic year for law enforcement closing decades old notorious cold cases. Animation reportedly edited the Cartoon Network series Beware the Batman to make the firearms look less realistic. [112], The evening after the shooting, a candlelight vigil was held at the site in Aurora. Published 3:23 PM EDT, Sun October 30, 2022. Martinezs grandparents, Eugene and Dallas Martinez, live in Texas and were staying with one of their daughters in Firestone, according to the affidavit. [4] This number was later surpassed by the 107 victims of the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting and eventually the 927 victims of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Ewing, who fought extradition to Colorado, has pleaded not guilty and is represented by public defenders; their office did not return a request for comment Thursday. [184], Bottom left: Map of Colorado with Aurora marked, James Holmes (mass murderer) Detention and pretrial court appearances, James Holmes (mass murderer) Verdict and sentencing, U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California, List of rampage killers in the United States, "Aurora, Colo theater shooting timeline, facts", "James Holmes appears in court being accused of killing 12 people in Aurora cinema shooting", "Officials release complete list of injured victims in Aurora massacre", "Colo. shooting DA says two evaluations found Holmes sane", "Theater shooter Holmes gets 12 life sentences, plus 3,318 years", "12 shot dead, 58 wounded in Aurora movie theater during Batman premier", "Family identifies 27-year-old victim of Aurora theater shooting", "James Holmes: Read timeline of his actions before and after Aurora theater shooting", "Long awaited trial begins for Aurora movie theater shooting defendant", "Gunman turns 'Batman' screening into real-life 'horror film', "Aurora shooting suspect left apartment "booby trapped," music blaring", "Aurora theater shooting trial adjourns for day", "Questions, but few answers, in Colorado shooting; 12 dead, dozens hurt", "Colorado theater shooting: 12 shot dead during The Dark Knight Rises screening", "Colo. theater trial adjourns for day after emotional 911 call", "Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates on Movie Shooting", "Rifle failure that stopped yet more batman carnage", "Colorado shooting spree could have been worse; shooter's gun jammed, official says", "Police: Suspect wore body armor, used assault rifle, shotgun, Glock handgun in theater attack", "Batman premiere gunman looked like 'assassin ready for war', "Aurora witnesses describe shooter's entrance, chaos", Aurora police testify in James Holmes' trial: 240 ballistic impacts found after theater shooting, "Police say Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes had 2 pistols, assault rifle, shotgun", "Sources: Shooter Took Prescription Drug Before Attack", "Aurora police sergeant describes lifesaving theater-shooting decision", "Colorado police officer says movie theater gunman was 'very calm', "New details emerge in hearing for Colorado theater shooting suspect", "Shooting suspect in court with orange-red hair", "Aurora 'Dark Knight' Suspect James Holmes Says He 'Was the Joker': Cops", "James Holmes claimed to be the Joker, NYPD Commish says", "James Holmes makes court appearance in Colorado theater shooting", "The Joker Didn't Inspire the Aurora Shooter, but the Rumor Won't Go Away", "Gun's magazine shaped the pace of Colorado theater massacre", "On video, theater gunman says killings got him 'value units', "Aurora shooting suspect James Holmes jailed in solitary: 'All the inmates were talking about killing him', "Aurora shooting: 12 dead as gunman opens fire at movie theater: as it happened", "Colo. shooting suspect James Holmes' apartment booby trapped, police say", "Slideshow: Aurora theater shooting scene, suspect's booby-trapped apartment", "Colorado Movie Theater Shooting: Suspect Bought 4 Guns, 6,000 Rounds of Ammunition in Past 60 Days", "Police at Home of Colorado Suspect Disarm Major Threats", "Official: Trap in Colorado suspect's home had 30 homemade grenades, gasoline", "Detonation and fire possible at Colo. apartment", "Massacre suspect's neighbor: 'I'm counting my lucky stars', "Loud Music Used To Lure People to Booby-Trapped Apt", "Theater massacre suspect appears in Colorado courtroom", "Movie massacre suspect mum; Batman mask found", "Photos: Residents allowed back into building where alleged shooter lived", "Colorado Movie Theater Shooting: 70 Victims the Largest Mass Shooting", "Colorado Massacre Could Have Been Worse", "Obama offers condolences, community grieves in vigil for DKR shooting victims", "50 dead, Islamic terrorism tie eyed in Orlando gay bar shooting", "Should the Colorado Theater Shooting Spur More Gun Control? [132] Some television advertisements for the film were also canceled. Arapahoe County prosecutors sought the death penalty. Ahead of the People Magazine Investigates' episode titled The Colorado Hammer Killer, which is scheduled to arrive this Monday, July 11, here are five appalling facts about Alex Ewing. But investigators didnt find a match until 2018, when Ewings DNA was uploaded into a national database, five years after Nevada enacted a state law that required mandatory DNA collection for people convicted of certain crimes. He said he told her that he had a bad dream about his family but that she told him it was only a dream and not to worry about it. They entered the home to find Kaden Casteneda, 18, Marisol Espindola, 18, and Estancia Martinez, 41, stabbed and shot to death. [9], Holmes went to his car (which he had parked near the exit door), changed into protective clothing, and retrieved his guns. [13] Police evacuated five buildings surrounding his Aurora residence, which was about 5mi (8km) north of the cinema. In 2001, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation was able to establish a DNA profile from semen collected from the carpet and comforter in the Bennett sisters bedroom. [161] Cinemark's motion quoted extensively from the landmark California appellate opinion[162] that held McDonald's had no duty of care to prevent the 1984 San Ysidro McDonald's massacre. To me, it just means that there is a God.. According to Teves' father, the campaign's incentive is to encourage media outlets to limit the usage of the suspect's name and photos when reporting about the Aurora shooting, as well as other mass shootings that receive national media coverage. THOSE with their eyes to the skies on Sunday night (February 26) may have caught a very rare sighting of the northern lights. The Lakewood Police Department believe there are two groups involved. Gun sales increased in Colorado, and political debates were generated about gun control in the United States. [154], The National Association of Theatre Owners distributed checklists from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to its members and said in a July 21 statement that members were "working closely with local law enforcement agencies and reviewing security procedures". [171], A grassroots community center, Aurora Strong Resilience Center, was established by community leaders, elected officials, and mental health professionals, as a response to the shooting. [77], On August 9, Holmes' attorneys said he is mentally ill and they needed more time to assess the nature of his illness. [127], Warner Bros., the distributor of The Dark Knight Rises, said it was deeply saddened by the shooting. Closing statements were made on July 14, with formal deliberations beginning the following morning. Arapahoe County prosecutors said that Holmes was sane during the shooting and intended to kill all 400 people in the theater, while Holmes' lawyers said he had a psychotic episode during the attack. [28], At about 12:45a.m., police officer Jason Oviatt apprehended Holmes[11][29] behind the cinema, next to his car, without resistance. Events Shooting The shooting occurred in Theater 9 at the Century 16 multiplex (operated by Cinemark Theatres), located in the Town Center at Aurora shopping mall at 14300 E. Alameda Avenue. She was hospitalized in a coma with serious facial injuries that left her paralyzed on her left side, Connie said. Some believed he was playing a prank,[15] while others thought he was part of a special effects setup for the film's premiere, or a publicity stunt by the studio or theater management.