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Theater Shooting Victims Denied Access To Evidence

DENVER (AP) - The Colorado Supreme Court has refused to allow some victims of the deadly Aurora theater shooting to obtain copies of evidence from the criminal case to use in a civil suit against the theater owner.

The court order was made public Tuesday. It contained no explanation.

James Holmes is charged with killing 12 people and injuring 70 in the 2012 attack. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. His trial has been postponed indefinitely while pretrial motions are argued.

Fourteen victims who sued Century Theatres wanted copies of evidence that was displayed in open court. The trial judge refused, saying the publicity could jeopardize Holmes' right to a fair trial.

The victims allege Century should have taken steps to prevent the attack. The company has said it couldn't have foreseen it.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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