Prosecutors indicated on Thursday that James Holmes’ violent rampage at a Colorado movie theater on July 20 was linked to his wash-out from a neuroscience doctoral program. He bought an assault rifle on the same day in June that he failed the crucial oral examination for his neuroscience program at the University of Colorado Denver, reports the Denver Post. He began stockpiling explosives that same month, as professors told Holmes that perhaps he wasn’t cut out for a career in neuroscience. Holmes also made threats in June that prompted CU officials to contact police.
The events were laid out Thursday in court during a hearing about access to Holmes’ education records. It was most extensive explanation authorities have offered as to the motive behind the shooting, in which 12 were killed and 58 injured. In a previous hearing, Holmes’ attorney Daniel King has suggested that his client is mentally ill. But prosecutor Karen Pearson portrayed Holmes as isolated and dejected after the collapse of his goal to become a neuroscientist.