Judge: Theater shooting trial could start early

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — The judge in the Colorado theater shooting case says jury selection is moving more quickly than expected and that could allow the trial to begin as early as May instead of June.

Individual questioning of potential jurors had been scheduled to last 16 weeks. But the Aurora Sentinel reported last week that Judge Carlos Samour said it could wrap up in six weeks instead.

Twelve jurors and 12 alternates would then be picked after a round of group questioning.

James Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the July 20, 2012, attack at a Denver-area theater that killed 12 people and injured 70 others.

His lawyers acknowledge he was the gunman but say he was in the grip of a psychotic episode.