James Eagan Holmes was formally charged Monday in the Colorado movie theater shooting rampage that left 12 people dead and 58 injured. He faces 24 counts of first-degree murder and an additional 116 counts of attempted murder, two counts for each of the victims.

The July 20 massacre at a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises” in Aurora, Colo., ranks as one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.

The Associated Press:

Investigators said Holmes began stockpiling gear for his assault four months ago and bought his weapons in May and June, well before the shooting spree just after midnight during a showing of the Batman film “The Dark Knight Rises.” He was arrested by police outside the theater.

Analysts said that means it’s likely there’s only one main point of legal dispute between prosecutors and the defense.

“I don’t think it’s too hard to predict the path of this proceeding,” said Craig Silverman, a former chief deputy district attorney in Denver. “This is not a whodunit. … The only possible defense is insanity.”

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Unlike Holmes’ last appearance, no cameras were allowed in the courtroom Monday.

The New York Times:

During the hearing, which lasted less than one hour, Mr. Holmes, 24, sat impassively, much as he had during his first court appearance last week.

He stared at the ceiling lights and at the floor and showed no reaction as the charges were being read, even when the judge told him that he could face the death penalty.

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Holmes did not enter a plea. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 9.

— Posted by Tracy Bloom.

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#aurora shooting#colorado#colorado shooting#death penalty#james holmes