Movie killer's mom says sorry to victims

CENTENNIAL, Colo.

- The mother of Colorado theater shooter James Holmes gave an impromptu public apology yesterday, telling a judge during his sentencing hearing that her son feels remorse but his mental illness and medications made it hard for him to express it.

Arlene Holmes took the stand after more than 100 victims and survivors of the 2012 attack testified about the searing physical and emotional scars the shooting has left.

"We cannot feel the depths of your pain. We can only listen. ... And we pray for you," she said through tears. "We are very sorry this tragedy happened and sorry everyone has suffered so much."

Standing at a lectern with her husband, Robert, by her side, she told Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr. that she has been researching mental illness and ways to prevent mass violence.

"I am not proud I didn't know more about mental illness. We should have known our family history better and realized that the signs of mental illness can appear at a very early age," said Holmes, who previously testified that she didn't know her son suffered schizophrenia until after he killed 12 people in the attack.

Samour today will formally sentence Holmes to life in prison.