Colorado judge enters not guilty plea for James Holmes

The Associated Press

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Video: Judge enters not guilty plea for alleged theater shooter

James E. Holmes appears in Arapahoe County District Court, Monday, July 23, 2012, in Centennial, Colo. Holmes is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder, and could also face additional counts of aggravated assault and weapons violations stemming from a mass shooting last Friday in a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., that killed 12 and injured dozens of others. (AP Photo)

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) - The judge in the deadly Colorado shooting case has entered a not guilty plea on behalf of James Holmes after his lawyer said he's not ready to enter a plea.

The judge says Holmes can change his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity later, if he chooses.

A defense lawyer said he didn't know how much time was needed. Prosecutors asked the judge to keep the case moving ahead.

Holmes sat silently at Tuesday's hearing with unruly hair and thick beard.

If convicted, Holmes could be executed or spend the rest of his life in prison.

He's charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. Twelve people were killed and 70 wounded in the July 20 attack on moviegoers in Aurora.