Victims speak out after Colorado massacre trial ends in life

Aurora theater shooting victim Caleb Medley (in wheelchair) arrives with his wife Katie (pushing him) and son Hugo carried by an unidentified woman at Arapahoe County Courthouse in Centennial, Colorado July 16, 2015, to hear the verdict in the trial.  [Photo/Agencies]

'TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE'

The verdict brought to an end a trial that at times threatened to overwhelm jurors and observers with the competing conclusions of multiple psychiatrists, detailed testimony from crime scene technicians, and heart-rending tales from survivors.

Many also found the tearful accounts of Holmes' mother, Arlene, and younger sister, Chris, similarly difficult to listen to. Both women blamed mental illness for what he did, and sobbed on the witness stand while they said they still loved him.

In a statement through their California attorney, Holmes' parents said all they could say after the verdict was "that they are deeply sorry this has happened and they are so sorry that the victims and families have suffered such tremendous loss."

Shown the statement at the Irish pub by a Reuters reporter, one victim, Sandy Phillips, said: "Too little, too late." Her 24-year-old daughter, Jessica Ghawi, was killed in the rampage.

It was not clear where Holmes will serve his life sentence. He could ultimately be transferred out of state.

On Aug. 24 he faces a hearing at which Arapahoe County District Court Judge Carlos Samour will impose the life sentence handed down by the jury on his 24 first-degree murder counts.

Samour must also decide sentences on the 141 other charges of attempted murder and possession of an explosive device Holmes was found guilty of. During that hearing, expected to last two or three days, victims can also address the court. They will not be allowed to speak to Holmes directly.