James Holmes Update: Colo. theater shooting suspect scheduled to appear in court today

(CBS/AP) CENTENNIAL, Co. - James Holmes, the suspect in the Colorado movie theater killings, is returning to court today for a hearing that might be the closest thing to a trial the victims and their families get to see.

PICTURES: The Colorado massacre suspect

Holmes, 25, is charged with killing 12 people and injuring 58 by opening fire in a theater in the Denver suburb of Aurora last July.

A week-long preliminary hearing for Holmes starts today. Prosecutors will outline their case against Holmes, making it the first official public disclosure of their evidence.

The judge will then determine whether to send the case to trial.

Legal analysts say the evidence appears to be so strong that Holmes may well accept a plea agreement that would rule out the death penalty.

He faces multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.

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