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Arapahoe County DA: 'Jurors Did A Hell Of A Job'

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4)- The 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler talked about the trial after he failed to get the death penalty sentence he was looking for. He and other officials talked about the sentence on Friday evening.

"Nothing about the jury's sentence changes what happened to them and how it impacts their families," said Brauchler outside the Arapahoe County Justice Center.

The jury failed to reach an agreement on the death penalty so the Aurora theater gunman will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Brauchler started his statement by mentioning all the victims in the theater shooting.

George Brauchler
Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler (credit: CBS)

Jurors convicted James Holmes on July 16 on 24 counts of first-degree murder, two counts for each person murdered in the July 20, 2012 attack inside an Aurora movie theater. That made Holmes eligible for the death penalty. He was also convicted of attempted first-degree murder, two counts for each of the 70 people he injured that night.

Brauchler commended the jury even though they failed to agree on an execution.

"Those jurors did a hell of a job. They were called to do things that many people wouldn't or couldn't do," said Brauchler. "While I am disappointed with the outcome I am not disappointed with the system and I'm not disappointed with this process. I thought death, I still think death for what that guy did but the system said otherwise and I respect that outcome."

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Holmes showed no emotion as he stood before the judge when the verdict was read in court. The official sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 24 and is expected to last three days.

Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz talked about what happens now, "One thing the families know, that Aurora Police Department, the Aurora Fire Department, officers, firefighters are here to help in the healing in whatever way... we'll help them move forward."

Aurora Fire Chief Mike Garcia took time to express his condolences to the families and victims of the shooting, "One day I hope you do find peace. I agree with Chief Metz, there will never be closure but I hope you find peace."

Metz also thanked the firefighters, "They too have felt the pain."

"Thank you. The heroism you demonstrated that night will never be forgotten. Job well done," said Garcia.

Both Metz and Garcia took time to thank Brauchler and his team.

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