ReutersLegal posts, "Prosecutors in Colorado theater shooting hire death penalty expert." It's written by Keith Coffman.
An expert in capital punishment cases has joined the attorneys prosecuting accused Colorado movie theater gunman James Holmes, which could indicate they will seek the death penalty.
Attorney Daniel Zook has prosecuted four capital murder cases in Colorado, officials with the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office said on Wednesday in announcing the hiring of Zook.
"Dan is the most experienced death penalty prosecutor in the state of Colorado and a national expert on these cases," Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler said in a statement. "He brings a wealth of talent to our office and will be a valuable addition to our team."
And:
While prosecutors have not said whether they will seek the death penalty, a legal expert said the decision to include Zook in the team prosecuting Holmes shows Brauchler is likely to be seriously weighing the capital punishment option.
The article notes that a plea by the defendant in the case is scheduled to be entered in March.
"Aurora theater shooting prosecution team adds death penalty expert," is by John Ingold for the Denver Post.
Daniel Zook will take an in-courtroom role in the prosecution of theater shooting suspect James Holmes, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office said. While working at the district attorney's office in El Paso County in the 1990s and early 2000s, Zook prosecuted four death-penalty cases. One of those cases resulted in a death sentence — though that sentence was later changed to life in prison because it was decided by judges and not a jury.
"Dan is the most experienced death penalty prosecutor in the state of Colorado and a national expert on these cases," 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler said in a statement. "He brings a wealth of talent to our office and will be a valuable addition to our team."
Zook will join a prosecution team that already includes four attorneys — three who have been handling the bulk of the casework and another who specializes in issues related to victims.
Earlier coverage of the Colorado case begins at the link.
Comments