Holmes' fate now closer to execution

CENTENNIAL, Colo. - Jurors on Monday moved one step closer toward sentencing James Holmes to death for his Colorado movie theater attack, taking less than three hours to reject arguments that the former neuroscience student's mental illness means he should not die.

The decision clears the way for one last attempt from both sides to sway the jury, with gripping testimony from victims about their suffering and more appeals for mercy for the man convicted of murdering 12 people and trying to kill 70 more during the 2012 assault at a Batman movie in Aurora, Colo.

Holmes, his reactions dulled by antipsychotic drugs, stood as ordered and appeared emotionless as Judge Carlos Samour Jr. read the decisions.

Robert and Arlene Holmes held hands, their fingers interlaced, and directed their eyes at the floor. With each unanimous "yes," it became ever more clear that jurors believe their son's crimes outweighed their testimony. She began to cry, and her husband held out a box of tissues.

More tears flowed in the gallery. Rena Medek began silently sobbing when the judge read the name of her 23-year-old daughter, Micayla. Ian Sullivan, the father of Holmes' youngest victim, 6-year-old Veronica Moser-Sullivan, closed his eyes when her name was read. Veronica's grandfather, Robert Sullivan, glared at Holmes and nodded his head softly.

"We are one step closer," Joshua Nowlan said outside court, adding that he's "very happy with the results."

Wounded by the gunfire, Nowlan used the cane he now needs to support his legs as a prop during the trial, to show how Holmes sprayed bullets from his assault rifle.

The jury was told to return Tuesday morning for the final phase. Then, the nine women and three men will finally decide whether Holmes should receive a lethal injection, or spend life in prison.