The Holmes verdict

“Life in prison,” Aug. 8 news story.

The victims of the Aurora theater massacre received either a death sentence or a life sentence of horrendous injuries at the hand of James Holmes. The victims’ loved ones received a life sentence. What they didn’t get is the walk down memory lane that Holmes has received. What he thought, what he did, childhood family photos and videos. What a gift he was given at the expense of the victims, survivors, loved ones, citizens and taxpayers.

BBB The ancient Greeks had a strict rule in their religious dramas: The one responsible for the horrific tragedy must stay alive (aware of all the death) to suffer, realize how he’s responsible, and agonize over it all. Maybe they were right: A death sentence is too easy.

BBB What a travesty! What does a killer have to do here for a death penalty, kill a hundred?

BBB If there can be a winner in this massacre, it is The Denver Post, journalists Jordan Steffen and John Ingold and the other staffers who have presented the events and the process of a criminal trial in an educational, fair and compassionate way. Sensationalism was resisted and equal respect for the victims, survivors, families, jury, judge and shooter was evident. I wish for all of you a Pulitzer.

BBB People arguing against the death penalty cite the expense of the numerous appeals launched. A sentence of life without parole certainly doesn’t end the appeals process. A man convicted in early 2004 of murder and sentenced to life in Colorado has launched appeal after appeal, to this day. I can’t believe this isn’t costing the taxpayers, just as the appeals from a death sentence would.