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DA Warns Victims' Families Next Holmes Hearing May Be 'Difficult'

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - The Arapahoe County district attorney's office has mailed a letter to survivors and family members of victims of the Aurora movie theater shooting warning them about an upcoming hearing for suspect James Holmes.

The preliminary hearing for Holmes will take place in a little more than two weeks. What happened the early morning of July 20 at the Century 16 theater is expected to be explained in detail in the Jan. 7 hearing.

The purpose will be to determine whether there is enough evidence for Holmes to stand trial on each of the 166 counts that he faces.

The letter states: "Carefully consider whether or not you think that you are ready to be exposed to potentially difficult information at the hearing."

In August CBS4 asked the widow of Jonathan Blunk, one of the 12 people who were killed, if she was ready.

"The shooter is not my problem," Chantel Blunk said. "I'm just there to sit and look at him and let him know he's not the person to break me. I have Jonathan next to me keeping me strong and (Holmes) is not my problem."

The letter also says none of those injured and none of the family members of those killed will be called as witnesses. Only law enforcement and medical professionals will be on the stand.

Victims and family members will be given daily updates about the hearing.

The DA has applied for travel grants for those out of state, but has not yet heard back. They are taking seat reservations nevertheless.

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