NEWS'Dark Knight' Shooting Victims File Lawsuits Against Theater for Negligence
Sept. 22 2012, Published 6:16 a.m. ET
It's hard to believe, but it has been two months since tragedy struck an Aurora, Colo. movie theater on the opening night of The Dark Knight Rises.
Three victims of James Holmes' shooting spree have now filed federal lawsuits against the Century 16 movie theater for negligence. Denise Traynom, Brandon Axelrod and Joshua Nowlan claim that the exit door the gunman is said to have used to access the theater should have been equipped with an alarm. Authorities say that Holmes left this door propped open so he could access the weapons in his car — an assault rifle and handguns.
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According to the Denver Post, the suit also alleges that Cinemark, which owns the theater, should have employed extra security for the midnight screening in the first place.
Each plaintiff is seeking at least $750,000 in damages.
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The theater chain just announced that it will re-open at the beginning of next year. Steve Hogan, Mayor of Aurora, posted a statement on the city of Aurora's website:
"The responses indicate overwhelming support to reopen the theater with renovations. The theater has been a valued part of our community for many years, and just as they have been all along, I am confident Cinemark will continue to remain sensitive to victims, their families, their employees and our community throughout their process of remodeling and reopening.
"We will always remember those who lost their lives and the many others impacted that day. While no one will ever forget that day, this is another step in the community's healing."
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