Moved to Denver in 2012, and my roommate was/still is a huge Batman fan. We decided to go to the midnight showing of the movie (him, his girlfriend, and I). My roommate wanted to go to the aurora theatre, because he always said you would get bed bugs at the downtown theatre, with it just being dirty. His girlfriend picked me up, and we were gonna meet him at the theatre when he got off work at his resturaunt. We got to the theatre, and pulled up early so we could get the drinks and food for when he got there, so we wouldn’t miss the movie. As we were walking up, my roommate texted saying “I just got stuck rolling silverware, and don’t want to miss a second of the movie, so just come to the Denver theatre”. So we went to the Denver theatre, watched the movie, and went home and passed out at like 3am. I was off the next day so I slept in late, and that was that. I woke up the next morning with 30 missed calls from my whole family. I still didn’t know what had happened, until I called them back and they said turn on the tv. Every year since then I’ve gotten the “photo memory from a year ago” Facebook notification which reads “Going with Nate to see Batman whoop some candy ass at midnight” and it always gives me chills. Because he had to roll silverware, we switched theatres last second. Life is wild Edit: I keep seeing questions on what rolling silverware is, and realized the term might be know mainly if you worked as a server. You take a fork and a knife, roll it up in a napkin, and that's it. You do it before shifts and after to keep a nice stock of silverware at your ready.

When this happened back then it was presented like he was some kind of a crazy batman fan in the media.

Last movie I ever saw in theaters, my best friend was there, he's okay physically but not mentally. We both went to midnight premiers in different states, we talked about how excited we were. He lost his phone in the stampede and I heard about the massacre as soon as I got home and spent all night thinking he was dead. His brother was injured and never able to play college baseball again and now is a dying alcoholic.

Can't believe it's been over a decade. It feels like this didn't happen long ago. I remember going to see the dark rises that saturday there was crazy amount of cops in the theater.

His mom going door-to-door looking for friends hits really hard. Especially if you're a parent. It sounds like she tried really hard to do good for him.

The most eerie thing about Jessica Redfield's story is that a month before the Dark Knight shooting, she was at the Toronto mall shooting and she wrote in her blog that she felt a very uneasy, sickening feeling which made her step outside of the food court at the mall. Seconds later the mass shooting happened in the food court. When she made her way outside after the mass shooting, that's when she tweeted about the guy dressed as Batman who was charging tourists to take pictures. A month later, she becomes the victim of another mass shooting at the premiere of a Batman movie over 1,000 miles away. If that is not Final Destination-like, I don't know what is. So tragic.

People like him make going outside a stressful situation

Seeing how happy he is about his research and how much he wanted to contribute to society… it’s devastating how much mental health can deteriorate

James: “I want to kill everyone.” Therapist: “He’s not a threat.”

I remember how they tried to present him as a though he thought he was the joker

I'm speechless... This is NOT what I thought he'd be like before he fell apart. It just goes to show how complex people are.

edit: I made this post to show what i feel. No need to comment or drag me in the dirt just because I said what I thought. Of course this is a horrible crime and a horrible thing that has happened, but that shouldnt be an excuse for me to express my views This man created a fear in me when watching movies to this day. I get the edge seats because I’m fearful for my life and always look to the doors. RIP to the victims

I remember hearing about this when I was a kid and not wanting to go to a cinema for at least a year

My cousin Zack was one of the people in theater 8. Bullets went through the wall, one went through his neck. My cousin survived thankfully and is still living his life to the fullest, he's currently a firefighter in Denver after playing college football and being picked up by some NFL practice squads briefly. I can't express to you the horror of getting the call that your cousin, someone you literally grew up with in the same house, was shot, and not having any other information except what every news channel is reporting.

This kid seemed so bright and could have went on to be a brilliant mind in science. So unfortunate how the mind can become so corroded, ironically.

It just goes to show no matter how good your childhood is, your mental health can strike, if u need help, please get help, no one will judge u, don’t take it out on others, rest in peace everyone

The thing I remember with the Aurora shooting was Hans Zimmer (who did the soundtrack to Dark Knight) writing an absolutely breathtaking piece of music in memory of the victims. Still sends shivers down my spine when I hear it today.

I have schizophrenia, was diagnosed when i was 20. I saw and still see those shadowy figures and random hallucinations. I called them shadow ninjas through my whole life. Im 37 now. Ive never felt suicidal or homicidal at all, especially towards innocent people. Some people are just lost. .

It's so bizarre. Watching that video of him speak, he seems friendly enough, knowledgeable, and more or less comfortable speaking in public (not unlike most other teenagers giving similar presentations). It's like this guy was two entirely different people in different settings.

I worked as a maintenance supervisor/usher at a local movie theater years after this happened. But when the new Joker movie was coming out, the managers were not fucking around, and constantly stressed to the workers about the possiblity of a shooting. No costumes were allowed. We even gathered everybody to the projector room just to discuss methods to alert people to evacuate and how to block off neighboring theaters if possible so they wouldnt get shot up. The managers were even thinking about hiring local police officers to be on the grounds. One manager was working for the theaters when this event happened and was probably the most tense for the Joker release. Thank the lord all that happened was the release of an astounding movie and nothing else. But the impact of this event alone has shifted the movie going experience on a whole new level its insane.

4pm-2pm is one hell of a shift

Bad news James, you're never getting that slurpie machine

It’s so crazy if someone answered that last second behavioral health call before he went on to shoot there is a slight chance this could have been avoided.

The fact he called a mental health line as a last ditch effort to change his mind and they didn't answer...

So many people let him slip through the net and didn’t report him. So many chances

it’s so heartbreaking to see the victims fleeing the theater with some dressed up for the movie. they were really excited to enjoy the movie they’ve been so hyped to see and never could’ve expected something so awful to occur. life is so fragile, especially with other monsters around like this guy

My heart breaks for his mom as well as the shooting victims. This is horrible and there were no winners.

I know someone who survived this night. It’s taken years of therapy, and faith, my friend is finally living a life happily. The scars from that night still haunt her though. Many were not so lucky. Their sibling has and still is struggling with sever depression, and substance abuse. Prayers for all involved, both living and laid to rest 🙏 ❤️

That wide eyed mugshot is terrifying.

“The message was that, there was no message.” That’s horrifying

This video was so well put together that fact you don’t have more subscribers blows my mind you put in so much work and detail in to these so much info in one video keep it up

You wouldn’t know that he’s a killer just by looking at him, that’s the most scary part, you never know a killer by looking at them, they’re literally everywhere and we just don’t know

The theater is less than 20 mins from me, this was one of those things that forever changed our community

His mugshot around the 17 min mark is a legit jump scare.

I suffer from severe social anxiety too. My heart breaks for his mother and the lives he had slain, but James had such a promising life, his erudition and support network... Mental illness is devastating, many people feign 'normality' to avoid being institutionalised.

That mugshot is definitely insane looking. His eyeballs are looking in different directions.

This has definitely stayed in people’s heads. I remember when Joker came out everyone in the theater was enjoying the movie and everything was fine. With about maybe 2 minutes left to go in the movie, someone from the front of the theater gets up out of their seat and starts sprinting to the exit door that leads out to the parking lot. This freaked a lot of people in the theater out and you could hear people start to gasp and mumble to themselves. People started getting up and moving to the exit and many missed the last scene. Nothing ended up happening and that person who sprinted was probably scared, but unusual behavior spooked everyone out because there was a lot of speculation that a shooting would happen again, due to the Joker character

When he was giving his presentation there wasn't a single ah, uh, derp, or pause. He delivered information flawlessly for minutes and never misspoke once. That stands out to me.

I remember seeing it on the news as a 12 year old and was shocked to see so many people running from the theatre and bleeding, I'm surprised they showed that much on the news...

Unfortunately I haven't seen many of this creator's videos recently, except I have 'binge watched' three in a row today... And wow! absolutely brilliant work. So well researched and presented. Plenty of different facts about each case and none of that looping video and the same stuff being repeated over and over again. He was good before, but he's surpassed himself with recent masterpieces. Thank you Ape Huncho.

The Media pushed the story that Dark Knights Joker caused this man to kill! But no, he had been begging for help for years. He told many ppl what he felt & what he was going to do. Literally Nobody listened. He told Police officer, his family, school, friends, therapist & he called others. Thats insane that nobody would take him seriously. They failed us and put society in danger

It’s funny how everyone’s surprised he could be so normal in the power point but it’s not hard when you spend your life depressed to act like you’re not

I grew up in Aurora and used to go to Century 16 quite a bit. I was invited to go that night but decided to go see Ted at Southlands instead. When we were leaving our movie my phone started to blow up with texts asking if I was ok… it freaked me out. We found out shortly after and of course my first thoughts were of friends. Thankfully they decided not to go that night either.

My third grade teacher was in the room when he opened up on the crowd. In 2018 my class was having a discussion about mass shootings after a lockdown, and she had told us she keeps a baseball bat at the door to our classroom due as a last option in the case of a active shooter. She has never had to use it (as of 2023) and I wont forget the amount of badass that courses through her veins.

The effort and time you put into these to give free content is insane! This could absolutely be on Netflix or mainstream TV. You always put out decent content! Thank you!

This is so well researched and put together. This deserves a documentary release, my dude. You're the first person to deep dive.

Seems like he was begging to be called out on his bs during his psychiatry sessions. This culminates with his call right before the shooting. I’m not advocating for a sentence for his psychiatrist, but man how did she not flag this guy. Incredibly sad and life changing event for us all.

The fact that this waste of air is still alive sickens me to this day... Knowing those who were there and the friends of them, he deserves nothing but the worst spot in hell. Seeing him smile in captivity is disgusting. I decided not to go to that show that evening. Kinda glad I was lazy. But, just another example of why I carry everywhere. You never know who is sitting next to you these days. Stay safe and vigilant.

When he’s doing a presentation he seems like such a normal guy. Sheesh man.

"So, you want to kill people?" "Yes, as many as possible." "Oh..." "But I won't." "Well, you seem sane. Have some pills."

This truly was a nightmare! What people went through that night never goes away. My cousin was one of the victims who didn’t make it out of there. Although he died protecting his girlfriend and was considered a hero doesn’t make it any easier. He didn’t deserve to die, none of them did! I was so happy to see the no notarizing of killers really grow through the news and everything and it is so sad that seems to be lost again! PLEASE stop giving these shooters what they want and that is notoriety! That won’t stop them all but it will stop some. I learned firsthand the pain families go through and it needs to stop! Nobody should have to be afraid to go to a movie, to a concert, out to eat, to school or anything else for that matter! I pray for the 12 who died that night and all the others who died in similar ways. I also pray for the day when the world stops taking about the killers and stop giving them their 5 minutes of fame! I hope this shooter is rotten away in prison! R.I.P. to the victims, especially you John!

Aurora, Colorado is my hometown. I remember this like it was yesterday, it was so crazy to have this happen not even a 10 minute drive away from me. Great video!

His mugshot is absolute nightmare fuel...

This guy is a real life "changeling." Every single photo of him displayed here looks COMPLTELY DIFFERENT from the one before it. Yes, I am very aware that people look changes as they age, but it's even true of photos that were taking within a few months of each other. His appearance changes DRASTICALLY from photo to photo, culminating in him dying his hair to look as different as humanly possible.

I went on a date with someone and saw the dark knight rises a week after this happened. I lived in Aurora right down the street from where this happened at the time. Honestly the scariest feeling throughout the whole movie.

I almost felt sorry for this guy until I learned how he intentionally hid his tendencies from doctors who could help him. He never wanted to get better. He only wanted his own goals met. I'm so glad we will never see him in free society ever again.

Sounds like he was the exact opposite of a normal child. His mom said he lost his joy when he was a teenager but he tried to kill himself multiple times when he was 10 and 11.

This footage of him giving the presentation is especially scary in the sense that he seems anything but a violent spree killer. He isn't any more or less "odd" than a multitude of science minded gamer types. Of course knowing what he ended up doing makes you scrutinize every last pause and gesture...looking for the one thing that we can look at as something like a sign. Is madness written on the face?

This event will forever live in my memory. A group of my friends were talking about going to see Dark Knight and didnt invite me. I was upset and mad at them amd went to see it by myself in a different theater. Halfway through the movie my phone just kept vibrating from my mom textimg amd calling me. She didn't say anything, just asking if i was okay. I said I was fine amd that was it. After the movie I walked out amd there's a cop car parked in front of the theater. Mind you, I was at least half an hour away from the Century theater. I get home amd see the news and I start freaking out. My friends were talking about going to Aurora because one of our friends had moved to Aurora and she was talking them into going to a theater up there. I was freaking out until morning when I got the news that they had decided not to go. Craziest 12 hours of my life.

He said he chose that theater over the several theaters closer to his house because of that theaters sign telling patrons that firearms were not permitted. This, obviously, made it less likely he would encounter resistance while attempting mass murder. This is kind of important

Watching the security footage from inside…my heart absolutely breaks for everyone that was there may you heal from this horrific trauma.

This is legit Netflix quality. Mad props you sicko 👏

Crazy to think that if that hotline call had gone through there would have been no shooting. This dude wanted help but just didn’t find what he needed.

I swear from the two videos ive watched from yours, whenever you mention a kid around six or seven dies I just cannot hold in my tears. And i don't get that emotional often, even from hearing about these shootings when they happened. I have heard young people around my age (20's) die and always have felt "that is just too young for a person to die, they still had so much more in life to experience." But six? SIX?!?!? i couldn't read the rest of the "about the victims" in the sandy hook video it just got to me. Good job with describing these scenarios in the most mindful way; not just outright demonizing these people, and provide important details and very insightful clips. You know how to paint a picture of these people's psychological disfunctions for the viewer.

ape huncho is the most accurate crime documenter and news outlet in the UK in my opinion. Im glad to have seen your channel grow and i cant wait for you to get the thousands more views and subs that you deserve

Man I remember being terrified of going to see a movie with my friends after this happened. I would be so hyper vigilant to the point of looking at anyone going/coming from the emergency exits. Would come out the theater not even knowing what happened in the movie, all my attention was on the Aurora shooting.

Been watching a few of your vids, earned my sub today lol

He actually didn't say that he was targeting people who were escaping to prevent them from escaping. He said seeing them escaping actually drew attention towards them wishes why he fired at them. Take that note down if you ever have to deal with a mass shooter

Psychiatrists: i don't see him as a threat. Psychiatrists after a murder: how could anyone not see the signs.

It’s so sad because seeing him in college he seems so normal. He liked video games, he ran track, he wanted to be a neuroscientist, he had good grades in high school. On paper this is a normal young man with a bright future. So sad knowing how the story ends

My heart goes out to any victim and their friends and family in this comment section. Thanks for sharing your stories and I hope you find stability and are able to cope. I hate this senseless violence.

This still is gut-wrenching to see. Almost 10 years since it occurred. Praying for all the families who lost a loved one or got impacted from this tragedy.

This was a very sad event. Hurts to think back to it and imagine myself there. Terrible tragedy like any other senseless shooting with ill intent. Thank you for putting this video together. God bless to all.

The best video giving details of this event. Thanks to developers of this documentary.

I remember I was 11 at the time - I was living in the UK but this news shook me to my core. Went to the cinema with my dad but couldn’t relax for one second of the film because of the news clips playing in my head

I honestly had no idea James Holmes as still alive. For some reason I thought he was killed during it all. This story was so tragic but you told it very well and I appreciate you clearing up all these details. Your videos are quite educational and interesting. I pray for the families and am glad James got the maximum penalty for such a horrible crime.

James: I literally want to kill people *kills people* Everyone in his life: HOW on earth did this happen?!!

Poor Jessica Redfield man, imagine being so damn unlucky that you end up in not one but TWO mass shootings only to lose your life in the second one. My heart goes out to all the victims and their families.

It’s weird hearing how he’s described by all of these people in his life, when he just keeps miraculously getting these positions, graduating with high honours, his girl friend, his clear ability to speak publicly, the photos of him with what appears to be friends, like how tf does any of this make sense? 😂

He was so meticulous about his planning, I’m shocked he left the bomb detonation to chance instead of just setting a timer

These JCS inspired videos by different people just keep improving on quality. Saved my sat night lol

Honestly it’s reasons like this why I carry everywhere. Everytime I go to a movie theater, the mall, etc. I got it on me tucked under my shirt or sweater. It’s sad that that’s what it comes to but I’d rather protect myself and those around me if given the chance.

Imagine talking to a kid who previously expressed homicidal urges, then he suddenly won't talk about them, and you send him on his way

"Smiling faces hide the traces of the evil that lurks within".....the most underrated lyric of all time......

Absolutely terrifying and I feel for any people that have lived through any experience like this. Don’t know if you could ever truly be the same.

Me and my uncle went to see Batman the dark night rises the night it came out in theaters ( Texas). I remember having to leave during the middle of the screening I didn't know why at the time the staff said that there was an emergency and that we had to vacate the theater . But that night I felt really strange and couldn't understand why it was like a since of doom and sadness but I didn't really pay attention to those feelings I was just a kid trying to enjoy a movie. The whole thing freaked me out whenever I found out later the next day . I remember my uncle being mad and shocked leaving the theater and me feeling strange but again I had no idea so I was just mad we had to leave I didn't understand the situation . This whole story hits home my sister in law met James Holmes before he did the shooting she went to the college he was going to at the time she said he was weird but polite . It was so creepy hearing that story she told me . This event made me extra suspicious of anyone in public now I'm very aware of what's going on around me . The interview with this man ?? Why is he so damn calm ?? . I love Batman and I love the dark night rises but the event's of that night will forever be eched into our minds. I still feel really weird every time I watch the movie I try to just enjoy the movie I do like the movie it's just the memories and the events of that night that makes me sad .

I can’t believe they let this guy live

Man like Ape Huncho's been getting on his Trap Lore Ross documentary shit for time styll. I've watched pretty much every long video you've brought out cus you do a great job of detailing a timeline of events. Keep it coming!

I still get anxiety any time I'm in theater because of this monster.

To this day, I never feel completely comfortable in movie theaters because of this shooting. I hate how monsters like him make innocent people feel less and less safe just going about our day to day life.

I’m still scared of going to the movies and always keep an eye on the exit door. Rest in peace to all the victims

My mom was a first responder therapist, we lived about 10-15 minutes from this movie theater and it was surreal for months and months given that it was the first real tragedy in my surrounding area that i experienced and what it did to the atmosphere of colorado, ontop of already having columbine in our history. Me and my family were supporting a girl who had lost her boyfriend that had jumped in front of her to take a bullet and save her life. We supported her with some supplies for her entering college and it was as well so surreal witnessing someone who had witnessed that event herself and suffered such a loss. Its changed my life and i hope and pray the victims families and loved ones continue to stay healthy and strong to this day.

Movie theaters have always had a different feeling after this

How did that man work from 4PM to 2PM??? No wonder he went insane geez.

Must be fun waking up and covering this amazing content everyday…

I remember this shooting. But for some reason I never heard that a 6 year old little girl was among the victims. It’s always so much worse when little ones are killed in such senseless attacks. Not to suggest that any of the other deaths aren’t also tragic. It’s just that she only got 6 years to live. Her parents must have been devastated.

I watch far too much true crime shit, but I gotta say, your research and presentation is on par or better than most of the big channels on UKposts.

Dude could have been someone special. Very smart guy, it’s unfortunate he went down this path , it’s sad for everyone

Great video. Never knew about the failed internship besides that presentation clip.

Your long-form content really knocks it out of the park, this was so well edited. Great work!