CENTENNIAL, Colo.?After a judge postponed the arraignment of the accused Aurora movie theater gunman on Friday, the father of one victim verbally lashed out at the suspect, James Holmes.
"Rot in hell, Holmes," shouted the man, later identified as Steve Hernandez, whose daughter Rebecca Wingo died in the July shooting rampage. Hernandez was restrained by three sheriff's deputies.
The outburst came minutes after District Judge William Sylvester adjourned court and postponed Holmes' arraignment until March 12. The judge then reconvened the hearing and called Holmes' defense attorneys and prosecutors to a private meeting just outside the courtroom.
When the judge re-entered the courtroom, he asked Hernandez to identify himself. Hernandez told the judge he meant no disrespect for him or the court. "I promise there will be no further outbursts," Hernandez said.
The judge acknowledged that the trial was an emotional issue for everyone involved.
"We are doing our best to make sure these proceedings are going as smoothly as possible," Sylvester said. To Hernandez, he added, "I'm terribly sorry for your loss. I can only begin to imagine the emotions that are raging."
Earlier Friday morning, Sylvester ruled that Holmes would not have to declare his innocence or guilt today and pushed his arraignment back to March. As the judge issued the ruling, several victims and family members became visibly upset. One woman wiped away tears with a tissue and shook her head.
"We understand your need for disclosure," Sylvester told the courtroom audience. However, he noted that proper steps must be followed to avoid appeals down the line.
As the judge spoke, two victims with unhappy looks on their face stood and exited the courtroom.
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