Theater Shooting Victims Will Be Called To Testify Very Early In Trial
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4)- Some of the survivors in the Aurora Theater Shooting will be called to testify early on in the trial. Opening statements are scheduled for Monday at 12:15 p.m.
Jurors must determine whether defendant James Holmes was legally insane during the 2012 attack that left 12 dead and 70 injured.
One of the victims, Marcus Weaver, was subpoenaed to testify about what happened that night when the gunman opened fire inside the crowded theater. Weaver is scheduled two days after opening statements.
Weaver has been preparing with some help, "A therapist, a team of people around me who could help guide me. All those things were in preparation."
Weaver was shot in the shoulder and has had two surgeries. His friend, Rebecca Wingo, was killed in the shooting.
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Weaver will be asked to recall the events of the early morning on July 20, 2012.
"Does my stomach still have butterflies in it thinking about being on that stand? Absolutely. But I've learned to cope with it, just like I've learned to cope with the loss of my friend," said Weaver.
He will bring with him a support team of family and friends. Witnesses have been told they can watch the trial before and after taking the stand.
CBS4 Legal Analyst Karen Steinhauser said the defendant will appear very different from the time of the attack.
"Not just make him look like an insane person but make him look like a human being," said Steinhauser.
The ability to pick out the gunman in the courtroom may be fairly simple but the emotion of it may be intensely demanding.
Weaver said regardless of the outcome he hopes he will be able to cope and have peace.
