The Latest: Colorado theater shooter’s dad ends testimony

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — The latest in the sentencing phase of the Colorado theater shooting trial (all times local):

10:05 a.m.

The father of Colorado theater shooter James Holmes says his son “was not a violent person” until he killed 12 people and injured 70 others in a packed movie premiere.

During testimony Wednesday, Robert Holmes referred to the 2012 attack as “the event” several times. In response to questions from a prosecutor, he said of his son wasn’t violent “until the event.”

Robert Holmes wrapped up his second day on the stand during the sentencing phase of his son’s trial.

At one point, he mouthed something to his son and the two of them smiled before a sheriff’s deputy told the elder Holmes to stop.

James Holmes’ mother is expected to take the stand later in the day for her first comments since the trial began April 27.

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9:10 a.m.

The father of Colorado theater shooter James Holmes is back on the stand in the sentencing phase of his son’s trial.

Robert Holmes is testifying for a second day Wednesday in an effort to spare his son’s life. On Tuesday, he made his first public comments about his son since the trial began.

He said his son had an odd facial expression about seven months before the July 2012 attack and seeing his son’s mug shot later reminded him of it.

Robert Holmes said he noticed his son grimacing and smirking in December 2011 and having a hard time making eye contact.

He said he’s seen James Holmes in jail only three times because his son typically doesn’t allow visitors.

During his first visit, Robert Holmes said his son “was clearly really messed up,” with his eyes bulging and his pupils dilated.

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