Joker Puts Insanity Defense On Trial? ~by Legal Pub

   James Holmes died his hair red and shot up a movie theater three years ago.  Now he is on trial.  His defense?  Insanity.

Holmes was volatile but was he insane when he put on body armor, a gas mask, and began killing theater patrons? He was sane enough to wear armor, strap on a rifle, arm himself with a shotgun, a pistol and plenty of ammunition prior to the midnight premiere of the Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises."

Holmes was training to be a neuroscientist.  Was he incapable of viewing his own volatility and seeking help?  What if it is true that he was sane enough to tell a classmate that he wanted to kill people prior to the killing?   Did his professors notice his instability and suggest an alternative career, self help or professional treatment?  What did he share with his psychiatrist before the shooting?  

What if Holmes was competent enough to share with his psychiatrist threatening text messages, a troubling journal and burnt twenty dollar bills?   What if his psychiatrist even alerted University of Colorado campus police?  Sound like a madman or a scheming want to be terrorist?  Ultimately it is the jury's call, not ours. In the meantime, if I were Holmes, I would not plan  on making any future dinner reservations at any other place than the prison cafeteria.

Update 5-5-15:  Prosecutors have put in testimony that makes Holmes seem like he knew what he was doing.  Video was shown of Holmes after the arrest where he answered questions with appropriate responses. For example, when asked how to spell his last name, he replied, "Like Sherlock."

Bye bye insanity defense!