DENVER (AP) – The widow of a man killed in the Colorado movie theater shootings is suing a psychiatrist who once saw suspect James Holmes as a patient, saying the doctor should have asked police to detain Holmes before the shootings.

Chantel Blunk filed suit in Denver federal court Monday alleging psychiatrist Lynne Fenton was negligent in not asking police to place a psychiatric hold on Holmes. The lawsuit says Holmes told Fenton he fantasized about killing people.

Dr. Lynne Fenton (credit: ucdenver.edu)

Fenton works at the University of Colorado, Denver where Holmes was a student. Holmes withdrew about five weeks before he opened fire in the theater on July 20, killing 12, including Blunk’s husband, Jonathan, authorities said. Another 70 people were injured.

Jonathan Blunk (credit: The Blunk Family)

Holmes is charged with murder and attempted murder but hasn’t entered a plea.

The university says the lawsuit isn’t well founded legally or factually.

Fenton’s attorney declined to comment.

The lawsuit does not ask for a specific amount in damages.

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