CLOSE Police identified the man accused of opening fire in a Lafayette, Louisiana movie theater as John Russel Houser from Alabama. Houser is accused of shooting 11 people and then killing himself during an evening showing of 'Trainwreck.' 
 
 Gunman, whose identity has not been released, died of self-inflicted wound 
 
 Lafayette police stand outside of the Grand Theater Thursday in Lafayette, Louisiana. (Photo: Stacy Revere, Getty Images) 
 
 Three people were killed and nine wounded when a lone gunman opened fire in a Lafayette movie house Thursday evening. 
 
 Lafayette police confirmed shortly before 8 p.m. law enforcement officers responded to a call about an active shooter at the Grand 16 Lafayette at 3141 Johnston St. 
 
 Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft confirmed at least three people were killed, including the gunman, who died from a self-inflicted wound. 
 
 Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Nine were transported to area hospitals, eight by ambulance and one by private party. One victim died at a hospital. 
 
 The suspect was described by several witnesses as a white, middle-aged male. State Police said the shooter, whose identity was not released late Thursday, was 58 years old. 
 
 Mayhem in the theater 
 
 “We heard a loud pop we thought was a firecracker,” Katie Domingue of Carencro said. She was at the 7 p.m. showing of “Trainwreck” with her fiance, Joshua Doggett, in Theater No. 14. About 20 minutes into the movie, Domingue said, she heard a loud noise. 
 
 She said she saw “an older white man” standing up and shooting down, not in her direction. 
 
 “He wasn’t saying anything. I didn’t hear anybody screaming either,” Domingue said. 
 
 She heard about six shots, she said, before she and Doggett ran to the nearest exit, leaving behind her shoes and purse. 
 
 The scene in the theater parking lot reflected the mayhem of the evening. News media had been moved offsite and were reporting from in front of a nearby coffee shop, Johnston Street Java. The parking lot itself was filled with emergency vehicles, including a Haz-Mat unit. 
 
 Authorities also closed down the Grand 14 on Kaliste Saloom in what they said was an exercise in caution. The parking lot was cleared shortly before 10 p.m. there, with four State Police units on the scene. 
 
 Randall Man, Acadian Ambulance VP of marketing, said 10 ambulances and 26 paramedics responded to last night's shooting. 
 
 Three more ambulances were standing by for relief at a nearby Albertsons. 
 
 The first ambulances responded within 7 minutes of the initial call. 
 
 “We don’t know if this was just a random act or whether it was a domestic situation,” Craft said, saying the investigation was not far enough along. 
 
 Victims identities not confirmed 
 
 Authorities would not confirm the identities of those who were shot. But unconfirmed reports said the wounded included longtime Lafayette oilman Dwight S. “Bo” Ramsay, chairman of the board of Aries Marine Corp., and his wife, Gerri. The extent of their injuries was not revealed. 
 
 Some of the wounded were critically injured, authorities said, others had lesser wounds. 
 
 At least some of those who were shot were taken to Lafayette General Medical Center, Acadiana’s largest hospital. Lafayette General spokesman Daryl Cetnar said that by agreement with police, Lafayette General could not reveal whether the victims were taken there. He said the hospital would release a statement Friday. 
 
 But what appeared to be family members and friends of the victim milled around inside the Emergency Room. A Catholic priest was on the scene. 
 
 Jindal: 'This is an awful night' 
 
 Gov. Bobby Jindal called for prayers Thursday evening during a press conference. 
 
 “The best thing anybody can do right now is to think about them, pray for them,” he said. “We will get through this. We are a resilient community. This is an awful night for Lafayette. This is an awful night for Louisiana. This is an awful night for the United States.” 
 
 CLOSE Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal described "amazing acts of heroism and selflessness" performed by Lafayette theater shooting victims and cops. He pinpointed teachers who pulled a fire alarm and cops who prevented the gunman from causing more harm. 
 
 In an issued statement, U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette, said, “I’m saddened at the terrible loss of life represented in tonight’s tragic shooting at a movie theater in my hometown of Lafayette. Bridget and I are praying for the families and friends of the victims at this difficult time. I will work with the Lafayette Police Department, local, state and federal officials to get to the bottom of what happened tonight.” 
 
 'Blood everywhere' 
 
 Jalen Fernell, 20, of Lafayette, was in the Grand Theatre watching “Southpaw” with friends when he heard gunshots. 
 
 “They were very faint over the movie. I thought it was part of the movie,” Fernell said. “About five seconds later, sirens went off and I realized it wasn’t the movie.” 
 
 A voice over the intercom told moviegoers to evacuate the theater, Fernell said. Patrons, unaware of what happened, took off running, he said. 
 
 Outside the theater, police were everywhere late Thursday. 
 
 “I saw a woman lying on the ground outside with blood everywhere. She was shot in the leg,” Fernell said. “We didn’t know what to do. You’re scared to walk through the parking lot, You don’t know if the guy’s in a car, hiding in the parking lot.” 
 
 Additional police arrived at the scene and entered the building, armed with assault rifles, he said. 
 
 “I heard gunshots like a war going on,” Fernell said. 
 
 When the gunfire stopped, he heard from a police car radio that six people were down in Theater No. 14, he said. 
 
 More police arrived and charged inside; additional shots were fired. Fernell said he heard someone say the suspect was down; he had committed suicide. 
 
 In the theater where the shooting took place, Emily Mann, 21, was watching “Trainwreck,” seated in the second row from the top of the theater with a friend. He father, Randall Mann, said his daughter heard popping noises and noticed flashes coming from a gun that was held by a man in the same row on the other side of the theater. 
 
 Randall Mann is vice president of marketing and public relations at Acadian Ambulance. He said his daughter was not up to speaking about the incident Thursday night. 
 
 map (Photo: map) 
 
 Mann said Acadian Ambulance transported eight patients to area hospitals. The company responded with 10 ambulances and off-duty personnel who heard about the shooting and showed up at the scene to help, he said. 
 
 The Grand Theatres in Lafayette and Broussard are owned by New Orleans-based Southern Theatres LLC. 
 
 The company operates multiplex stadium-seating movie theaters in Louisiana, Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. 
 
 The Daily Advertiser reporters Seth Dickerson, Jessica Goff, Claire Taylor, Herman Fuselier and Ken Stickney contributed to this report. 
 
 Read or Share this story: https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/local/2015/07/23/shooting-reported-grand-theatre-johnston/30598925/ ||||| (CNN) Latest developments (all times in ET) 
 
 11:16 p.m. : The weapon used in the shooting was a handgun, said police Sgt. Brooks David. 
 
 10:52 p.m.: Authorities said they know the identity of the shooter but are withholding it so as not to "affect the integrity" of the investigation. 
 
 10:45 p.m.: He is a 58-year-old white male who was a theater patron fired multiple shots, said Col. Michael Edmonson of the Louisiana State Police. The shooter was acting alone and is deceased, he said. There were about 100 people inside at the time. 
 
 [Full story] 
 
 A man opened fire inside a movie theater in a Lafayette, Louisiana, multiplex, Thursday night, killing two people and wounding seven others -- before taking his own life. 
 
 "There's nothing to believe that there was any kind of motive," said Col. Michael Edmonson of the Louisiana State Police. 
 
 The shooter was a 58-year-old white man who was a theater patron, police said. Authorities have his name but are withholding it as the investigation continues. 
 
 The shooting took place shortly before 8:30 p.m ET at the Grand Theatre 16 in Lafayette, a city of about 120,000 people, 60 miles west of Baton Rouge. 
 
 About 100 people were inside the theater for a screening of the comedy, "Trainwreck," when the shooter began firing using a handgun, police said. 
 
 Photos: Movie theater shooting in Lafayette, Louisiana Law enforcement personnel stand near a police line at The Grand Theatre following a deadly shooting in Lafayette, Louisiana, on Thursday, July 23. The shooter in the Lafayette movie theater shooting died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound according to Louisiana State Police. Hide Caption 1 of 7 Photos: Movie theater shooting in Lafayette, Louisiana Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, center, speaks with the media near the scene. Hide Caption 2 of 7 Photos: Movie theater shooting in Lafayette, Louisiana Federal investigators arrive. Hide Caption 3 of 7 Photos: Movie theater shooting in Lafayette, Louisiana Lafayette Police Department and Louisiana State Police units block an entrance road near the scene of the shooting. Hide Caption 4 of 7 Photos: Movie theater shooting in Lafayette, Louisiana A Lafayette Police Department vehicle blocks an entrance at The Grand Theatre. Hide Caption 5 of 7 Photos: Movie theater shooting in Lafayette, Louisiana Police tape surrounds the scene. Hide Caption 6 of 7 Photos: Movie theater shooting in Lafayette, Louisiana Police and emergency vehicles at the scene of the shooting. Hide Caption 7 of 7 
 
 'Gunshots after gunshots' 
 
 Jalen Fernell said he was in a theater next door. 
 
 "I almost thought it was part of the movie at first," he said of the gunshots. 
 
 An alarm went off, followed by an overhead intercom message asking patrons to get out. 
 
 "Immediately we get terrified because they are telling us to head out to vehicles," he said. "It was kinda like a war going on ... gunshots after gunshots." 
 
 Paige Bearb, another witness, said she took off running when the alarm sounded. 
 
 "I saw people bleeding from the leg, they were shot," she said. "And I was like 'Wow.' It was like a movie itself." 
 
 Wanted to let everybody know I'm safe. I was in The Grand parking lot when cops arrived. It's worse than it looks on TV. Praying #Lafayette — ML1 Media (@mightylions1) July 24, 2015 
 
 'Awful night for the United States' 
 
 Four officers entered the theater and found the gunman dead. 
 
 "It appears the shooter died from a self inflicted gun shot wound after discharging his weapon numerous times," said Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft. 
 
 The extent of those who were injured range from critical to non-life threatening, he said. 
 
 Bomb squads conducted a sweep of the theater and the parking lot. Police temporarily closed a nearby Grand theater and deployed officers to other movie houses as a precaution. 
 
 They determined the gunman acted alone and there was no additional threat. 
 
 "Whenever we hear about these senseless acts of violence, it makes us both furious and sad at the same time," said Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, from the scene of the shooting. 
 
 "This is an awful night for Lafayette, this is an awful night for Louisiana, this is an awful night for the United States. But we will get through this." 
 
 'My heart is broken' 
 
 The shooting occurred six days after the conviction of James Holmes in the Aurora, Colorado, theater shooting that left 12 people dead and 70 people wounded. 
 
 On July 19, 2012, Holmes opened fire during a screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" using an AR-15 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun and at least one .40 caliber handgun. The shooting stopped with Holmes' arrest outside the theater about seven minutes after the first 911 calls were made to police. 
 
 Late Wednesday night, Amy Schumer, the star of the movie "Trainwreck" tweeted, "My heart is broken and all my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Louisiana." 
 
 My heart is broken and all my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Louisiana. — Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) July 24, 2015 
 
 While the shooter may have taken his motive with him with his death, the investigation is far from complete. 
 
 Authorities will put together a profile on the shooter, search his house and trace the gun, said CNN legal analyst Sunny Hostin. 
 
 For now, said Gov. Jindal, "we can pray. 
 
 "We can hug these families. We can shower them with love, thoughts and prayers." ||||| (CNN) One by one, the wounded and the grieving are telling a Colorado judge how the Aurora movie theater gunman stripped the normal from their lives. Some are sobbing, some are angry. All are shattered by loss. 
 
 It is a parade of pain that will not change the sentence for the 27-year-old shooter. James Eagan Holmes will spend the rest of his life behind bars. 
 
 But the inevitable outcome didn't stop the grieving grandfather of the gunman's youngest victim from making a suggestion: 
 
 "I would challenge the murderer to do the right thing for once in this trial and petition the court for execution by firing squad," said Robert Sullivan. 
 
 He was the doting grandfather of 6-year-old Veronica Moser-Sullivan, who had innocent, shining brown eyes. Her pregnant mother, Ashley Moser, was shot and paralyzed. 
 
 Moser said she was looking forward to being a mother of two, but now she's nobody's mommy. She needs constant nursing care. She said she wished Holmes could be sentenced to life as a quadriplegic, just as she and two other shooting victims are. 
 
 The courtroom now belongs to the people Holmes hurt. They are struggling to put incomprehensible loss and suffering into words. They speak about lives cut short as they were starting; about weddings, graduations and holidays that won't be celebrated; about grandchildren they'll never hold in their arms. 
 
 More than 40 people gave victim impact statements on Monday, and at least 40 more are expected on Tuesday. 
 
 His victims say they view Holmes as the personification of evil. Some can't bring themselves to speak his name. 
 
 Holmes, a failed graduate student who has since been diagnosed as schizophrenic, spent months planning the shootings. He tossed tear gas into the theater and opened fire with a shotgun, a rifle and a handgun during the first minutes of the midnight showing of a Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." He fatally shot 12 people and wounded 70 before his gun jammed. 
 
 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Cynthia Davis, center, visits the roadside memorial set up for victims of the Colorado shooting massacre across the street from the Century 16 movie theater on Monday, July 30, 2012, in Aurora, Colorado. Twelve people were killed in the theater early July 20, 2012, during a screening of "The Dark Knight Rises." Suspect James Holmes was taken into custody shortly after the attack. More photos: Colorado movie theater shooting Hide Caption 1 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims People visit the roadside memorial set up for victims of the massacre on Monday. Hide Caption 2 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Visitors pray around a cross at the memorial across the street from the theater on Saturday, July 28. Hide Caption 3 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Jeremy Blocker displays a new tattoo honoring the victims. Hide Caption 4 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Members of Alex Sullivan's family embrace at a memorial across the street from the Century 16 movie theater on Thursday, July 26. Hide Caption 5 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Hello Kitty-themed flowers are sent to shooting victim Micayla Medek's funeral Thursday in Denver. Hide Caption 6 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Pallbearers carry Micayla Medek's coffin during her funeral at the New Hope Baptist Church on Thursday. Hide Caption 7 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims People visit a memorial across the street from the Century 16 movie theater on Thursday, July 26, in Aurora, Colorado. Hide Caption 8 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Angella Aquilis, left, and Maria Olivas mourn together at a makeshift memorial across the street from the Century 16 movie theater Wedesday, July 25. Hide Caption 9 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Yvonne Amaro, 9, prays for those injured and killed as she visits the memorial on Wednesday. Hide Caption 10 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Carrie Hensley, left, and Hailee Hensley mourn together on Wednesday. Hide Caption 11 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Kevin Flynn, left, Aurora Police top brass division chief, and Cmdr. Jack Daluz visit the makeshift memorial. Hide Caption 12 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims A couple embraces as "Dark Knight Rises" star Christian Bale and his wife, Sandra Blazic, wait to place flowers at the memorial on Tuesday. Hide Caption 13 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Bale places flowers at the memorial while other mourners look on. Hide Caption 14 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Visitors pay tribute Tuesday, July 24, at the makeshift memorial. Hide Caption 15 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims A cross stands at the makeshift memorial for victims across the street from the Century 16 theater on Tuesday. Hide Caption 16 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Greg Zanis of Aurora, Illinois, carries two of the 12 crosses he made for a makeshift memorial to the victims of last weekend's mass shooting at the Century 16 movie theater on Sunday, July 22. Hide Caption 17 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Greg Zanis writes the names of the victims of last weekend's mass shooting on the crosses before erecting them at the memorial across from the Century 16 movie theater on Sunday. Zanis, a carpenter, drove all night from Illinois to deliver the crosses. Hide Caption 18 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Parishioners pray during morning Mass, remembering victims of the theater shooting, at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Sunday. Hide Caption 19 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Angie Terry of Alabama prays next to a white wooden cross erected for victims. Hide Caption 20 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims A man pauses before the crosses at the memorial near the Century 16 movie theater on Sunday. Hide Caption 21 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims President Barack Obama embraces Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper as Sen. Mark Udall, left, and Sen. Michael Bennet look on during a visit to the University of Colorado Hospital on Sunday. Hide Caption 22 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Mourners bow their heads in prayer during the vigil for the victims of the Aurora shooting. Hide Caption 23 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims A woman is overcome with emotion during the vigil. Hide Caption 24 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Tiffany Garcia, right, and her 6-year-old daughter, Angelina Garcia, cry on Saturday, July 21, as they look at a memorial for the victims of Friday's shooting. Hide Caption 25 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims People pray at a cross erected at the makeshift memorial across the street from the Century 16 theater on Saturday. Hide Caption 26 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Family, friends and former classmates of movie theater shooting victim A.J. Boik gather for a memorial service at Gateway High School on Saturday. Hide Caption 27 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Boik and his girlfriend were at the midnight showing of 'The Dark Knight Rises' when a gunman killed Boik and 11 other people. Hide Caption 28 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Movie theater shooting victim A.J. Boik's girlfriend, Lasamoa Croft, center, embraces his mother during the memorial service. Hide Caption 29 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Eman Alexander, 17, pins a ribbon on his shirt while joining family, friends and former classmates to honor shooting victim A.J. Boik. Hide Caption 30 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Denise Toepel of Denver sheds tears while visiting a makeshift memorial across the street from the Century 16 movie theater on Saturday, July 21. Hide Caption 31 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Handwritten signs decorate the makeshift memorial across from the Century 16 movie theater on Saturday. Hide Caption 32 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Gerald Wright, 24, relights candles that have blown out at the victims' memorial across from the movie theater. Hide Caption 33 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Jajuan Mangual lowers the American flag on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush to half-mast on Saturday. One U.S. Navy sailor was killed in the shooting and another injured. Hide Caption 34 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Two women mourn near the theater on Saturday. Hide Caption 35 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Alicia Prevette, left, and Paul Stepherson attend a vigil for the victims Friday at the Century 16 movie theater. Hide Caption 36 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims A woman lights a candle at a makeshift memorial where the victims of the massacre are mourned. Hide Caption 37 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Mourners hold hands at a vigil near the theater. Hide Caption 38 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Mourners hug as they grieve the loss of the victims. Hide Caption 39 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims A group of teenagers stand behind a sign that reads "Strength." Hide Caption 40 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Dara Anderson, left, and Monique Anderson cry during a candlelight vigil across the street from the crime scene. Hide Caption 41 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims A woman holds a lit candle at a makeshift memorial. Hide Caption 42 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Marietta Perkins of Denver prays for victims and their families. Hide Caption 43 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Lonnie Delgado, right, hugs Heaven Leek during a prayer. Hide Caption 44 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims A mourner grieves on the curb during a memorial service. Hide Caption 45 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims People hug during a vigil for the victims. Hide Caption 46 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Handwritten consolation letters lie beneath flowers at a makeshift memorial. Hide Caption 47 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Nathan Mendoza, left, and Melissa Clark sit on the grass during a vigil. Hide Caption 48 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Flags, flowers and candles make up a memorial site. Hide Caption 49 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims Two mourners sit on the ground at a vigil. Hide Caption 50 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims A sign prevents moviegoers from wearing masks or bringing in props to the AMC Arapahoe Crossing 16 movie theater in Aurora. Hide Caption 51 of 52 52 photos: Colorado massacre: Mourning the victims A woman looks at a makeshift memorial after attending a candlelight vigil. Hide Caption 52 of 52 
 
 He raised an insanity defense, which jurors rejected. But they couldn't agree on the death penalty. In Colorado, a jury has to agree unanimously on any death sentence. But a single juror could not condemn Holmes to death. And some of the victims have a problem with that. 
 
 Sullivan saw the holdout juror as a sign of a corrupt justice system. He believes a death penalty opponent managed to sneak onto the panel as a "stealth juror." But the judge and the prosecutor defended the jury and said Sullivan's accusation was based on "speculation." 
 
 Still, many of the victims say they feel cheated, and they appeared to seek comfort in demonizing a defendant who took so much from them. A man whose son was gunned down in the theater referred to Holmes' schizophrenia as "a mental hangnail" and said he was disgusted during the trial by his "smirk." He called Holmes' attorneys "horrible people" and said they "fabricated a defense" to pad their resumes. 
 
 Beth Craft, whose brother John Larimer was killed, said, "The defendant may be mentally ill, but he is more evil than anything else." 
 
 Kraft said she and Larimer were among five siblings. When her family was "whole," they were always there for each other, she added. She's saddened that her brother died alone in that theater, away from family and surrounded by the blood and bodies of strangers. 
 
 "My innocent way of viewing the world is gone." 
 
 Amee Gharbi, whose son Yousef survived after being shot in the head, referred in her testimony to Holmes' skewed "life capital" theory, in which he counted each life he took as a point, adding value to his own: 
 
 "Despite what one self-absorbed, heartless killer tried to do, in the end we won," Gharbi said. "In the end we wound up with the most points. We have the most self-worth. Game over." 
 
 Aurora Police Commander Michael Dailey, whose officers responded to the bloodbath in Theater 9, was the first to call Holmes a monster, saying he should be locked away and forgotten. "I hope that every day is painful for him. I hope that prison is not kind to him," Dailey said. "I hope prison gives him his just rewards." 
 
 But at least one person didn't see Holmes as a monster. He was much, much worse, said Michelle Thuis, who lived in Holmes' apartment building. She was awakened the morning of the shooting by police banging on the door of his boobytrapped apartment. 
 
 "The defendant is not a monster. A monster is just a beast," she told the court. "The defendant is selfish in a way only humans can be." 
 
 Bonnie Kate Pourciau burst into tears when she learned the jury had spared Holmes' life, her mother, Kathleen, said in her victim impact statement. Holmes' bullets shattered Bonnie Kate's kneecap, and she still experiences excruciating pain from damaged nerves. Doctors say it won't go away and can only get worse. 
 
 The trial, Kathleen Pourciau said, was like watching someone get away with something. It felt out of whack, unbalanced. It didn't feel like justice. 
 
 "When justice isn't served, there's a brutal message delivered to the victims," she said. "When the punishment doesn't fit the crime, the message to the victims is that your loss, your pain isn't important. The message was that the state of Colorado values the life of a mass murderer more than the people he murdered. 
 
 "How many people do you have to kill to get the death penalty?" Pourciau asked. "Why do you even have a death penalty if you don't use it? What signal does this sentence send to Bonnie Kate and others? We care, but not that much?" 
 
 A sentence of 12 life terms topped by hundreds of additional years behind bars is "absurd," she added, "the judicial equivalent of beating a dead horse." 
 
 Judge defends legal process 
 
 Not every victim who spoke Monday saw a death sentence for Holmes as the only just outcome. But all seemed to struggle with the idea that the man who walked on July 20, 2012, into a movie theater bent on killing was spared while their loved ones were not. 
 
 "He callously delivered a death sentence to our daughter and 11 other innocent people," said Lonnie Phillips, whose 24-year-old daughter, aspiring sportscaster Jessica Ghawi, was killed. 
 
 Although Phillips was not among those clamoring for a death sentence for Holmes, he agrees with the others: "If any murderer in our history deserves to die, it's him." 
 
 He reminded the judge and everyone in the courtroom that the people in the movie theater died horribly. 
 
 "Jessica was shot six times," Phillips said. "The kill shot left a 5-inch hole in her left eye." He added that his wife, Sandy, wakes each morning "thinking about how our daughter died, with her brains blown out on the theater floor." 
 
 Alex Teves was shot in the forehead as he leaped up to protect "the love of his life," his father said. Alex's girlfriend survived, Tom Teves said, but his son "took a bullet in a full metal jacket in the forehead. Death was instantaneous." 
 
 "This coward ambushed innocent people," Teves said. 
 
 Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr., who presided over the trial, defended the legal process -- and the jury's decision. He explained that while the jury decided Holmes' punishment for killing 12 people, he must pass sentence on more than 140 other counts -- including attempted murder and weapons offenses. 
 
 "You can't claim there was no justice because it wasn't the outcome you expected," Samour told Pourciau and the others. Justice is never results-based. The jury worked long and hard to reach an impartial decision and that, he said, is justice. 
 
 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre The public gets its first glimpse of James Holmes, then 24, the suspect in the Colorado theater shooting during his initial court appearance July 23, 2012. With his hair dyed reddish-orange, Holmes, here with public defender Tamara Brady, showed little emotion. He is accused of opening fire in a movie theater July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 people and wounding 70. Holmes faces 166 counts, almost all alleging murder or attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. More photos: Mourning the victims of the Colorado theater massacre Hide Caption 1 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Police release the official photo from Holmes' booking after the shooting. Hide Caption 2 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Holmes often had a blank stare during his July 23, 2012, court appearance, seeming to be in a daze. Hide Caption 3 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Victims and their relatives and journalists watch the proceedings in 2012. Hide Caption 4 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Flags fly at half-staff on July 23, 2012, at the Arapahoe County Courthouse in Centennial, Colorado, where the movie theater shooting suspect had his first court appearance. The murder counts against Holmes carry a possible death penalty. Hide Caption 5 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Arapahoe County District Attorney Carol Chambers talks to reporters July 23, 2012, before heading into the courthouse. The murder counts against Holmes carry a possible death penalty. Hide Caption 6 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Family members of the victims arrive at the courthouse July 23, 2012, for the suspect's first court appearance. Hide Caption 7 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre The Century Aurora 16 multiplex in Aurora becomes a place of horror after a gunman opened fire July 20, 2012, in a crowded theater. Hide Caption 8 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Holmes is accused of opening fire during a midnight screening of the Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises." Holmes purchased four weapons and more than 6,000 rounds of ammunition, police say. Hide Caption 9 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Police investigate outside the Century 16 multiplex July 21, 2012, a day after the mass shooting. Hide Caption 10 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Agents search the suspect's car outside the theater. Hide Caption 11 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Aurora police escort a sand-filled dump truck containing improvised explosive devices removed from Holmes' booby-trapped apartment on July 21, 2012. Authorities have said they believe the suspect rigged his place before leaving for the movie theater. Hide Caption 12 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Police break a window at the suspect's apartment July 20, 2012, in Aurora. Hide Caption 13 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Law enforcement officers speak with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, center, outside the suspect's apartment July 21, 2012. Hide Caption 14 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Law enforcement officers prepare to disarm the booby-trapped apartment July 21, 2012. Hide Caption 15 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Officials tow cars outside Holmes' apartment July 21, 2012. Police disassembled devices and trip wires set up in the apartment. Hide Caption 16 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Officers prepare to place an explosive device inside the apartment. Hide Caption 17 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Debris flies out a window, right, after law enforcement officers detonate an explosive device inside the apartment July 21, 2012. Hide Caption 18 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre People mourn the victims during a vigil behind the theater where a gunman opened fire on moviegoers in Aurora. Hide Caption 19 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre A woman grieves during a vigil for victims behind the theater. Hide Caption 20 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre A distraught woman receives counseling from the Rev. Quincy Shannon, left, in front of Gateway High School in Aurora, where the families of the missing met after the shooting. Hide Caption 21 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Lin Gan of Aurora holds back tears as she speaks to reporters about her experience in the Century 16 theater. Hide Caption 22 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre People embrace before a vigil for victims behind the theater where a gunman opened fire on moviegoers. Hide Caption 23 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Investigators work on evidence near the apartment of James Holmes on July 20, 2012. Hide Caption 24 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Members of the Aurora Police Department SWAT unit walk near the Holmes' apartment. Hide Caption 25 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Television news crews gather in front of the home of Robert and Arlene Holmes, parents of suspect James Holmes, in San Diego on July 21, 2012. Hide Caption 26 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre A popcorn box lies on the ground outside the Century 16 movie theater. Hide Caption 27 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Adariah Legarreta, 4, is comforted by her grandmother Rita Abeyta near the Century 16 Theater in Aurora. Hide Caption 28 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Jessica Ghawi, an aspiring sportscaster, was one of the victims. Hide Caption 29 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre A woman waits for news outside Gateway High School, a few blocks from the scene of the shooting at the Century Aurora 16. Hide Caption 30 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Aurora police chief Daniel J. Oates speaks at a press conference near the Century 16 Theater on July 20, 2012. Hide Caption 31 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Agents search the trash container outside the suspect's apartment in Aurora. Hide Caption 32 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre A Federal ATF officer carries protective gear onsite at the home of the shooting suspect. Hide Caption 33 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre President Obama speaks on the shootings at a July 20, 2012, event in Fort Myers, Florida. Hide Caption 34 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Moviegoers are interviewed at the Century Aurora 16. Hide Caption 35 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Officers gather at the theater July 20, 2012. Hide Caption 36 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Investigators were a common sight at the theater on July 20, 2012. Hide Caption 37 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Authorities gather at the shooting suspect's apartment building in Aurora. Police broke a second-floor window to look for explosives the suspect claimed were in the apartment. Hide Caption 38 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Screaming, panicked moviegoers scrambled to escape from the black-clad gunman, who wore a gas mask and randomly shot as he walked up the theater's steps, witnesses said. Hide Caption 39 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Onlookers gather outside the Century Aurora 16 theater. Hide Caption 40 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre A woman sits on top of her car near the crime scene. Hide Caption 41 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Police block access to the Town Center mall after the shooting. Hide Caption 42 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Cell phone video taken by someone at the theater showed scores of people screaming and fleeing the building. Some, like this man, had blood on their clothes. Hide Caption 43 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre Witnesses told KUSA the gunman kicked in an emergency exit door and threw a smoke bomb into the darkened theater before opening fire. Hide Caption 44 of 45 45 photos: Colorado movie theater massacre What is believed to be the suspect's car is examined after the shooting. Hide Caption 45 of 45 
 
 About 100 people have asked to address the court before the judge formally hands down his sentence on Wednesday, prosecutors said. 
 
 Holmes, dressed in red jailhouse scrubs, rocked gently in his seat at the defense table, as he did throughout his trial. He will be given an opportunity to address the court but has so far declined to speak. 
 
 Many of the people who addressed the court on Monday spoke of the shooting as a "massacre" of innocents. Three years later, many speak of feeling lost and depressed. Some can no longer work, and many haven't had a good night's sleep since. 
 
 Greg Medek, whose 23-year-old daughter Micayla was among the dead, fought tears and it was difficult to hear him at times as he described his struggle with overwhelming grief and anger. 
 
 "This comes off as a bit negative, but it's how I feel every day," Medek said. 
 
 "The past haunts you to the point of exhaustion. Nothing brings you a sense of happiness. He didn't have the right to take her from me," Medek said. "People tell you, 'It's been three years, you should be over it by now. C'mon, what's wrong with you?'" 
 
 But, he said sobbing, there's a hole in his life that he can't fill. 
 
 "It's like something's missing. I don't want to be close to anyone else in case this happens again." 
 
 He has lost faith in God and country. 
 
 "My trust in the leadership of this country is gone," he said. "I know the good Lord loves me. But I can't sit in church like I used to. I can't listen to it." 
 
 Still, he believes his daughter is in heaven and hopes to join her some day. 
 
 "She's waiting there for me and I have to make sure I get there. I can't have all this hatred in my heart."
– A gunman opened fire inside a multiplex movie theater in Lafayette, Louisiana, tonight, killing two people and himself, and injuring seven more, reports NBC News. A witness tells the Daily Advertiser that she heard gunshots about 20 minutes into a showing of Trainwreck. She describes seeing "an older white man" shooting, apparently at random. "He wasn't saying anything," she says. Police have identified the shooter only as a 58-year-old male, reports KLFY. Authorities say he used a handgun in the attack and died of a self-inflicted gunshot. "The best thing anybody can do right now is to think about them, pray for them, shower them with your love is the most important thing we will get through this," say Gov. Bobby Jindal, who went to the scene. "We will get through this. We are a resilient community. This is an awful night for Lafayette. This is an awful night for Louisiana. This is an awful night for the United States." A person in the multiplex tells CNN he saw a woman who had been shot. "She was just looking at me in complete fear." The shooting comes as jurors in Colorado debate the death penalty for Aurora theater shooter James Holmes.