Four days after being arrested, James Holmes, accused of killing twelve people and injuring dozens more in a Colorado theater, is still being questioned. Investigators are likely asking one question. Why.
"It's horrendously personal," said Birmingham psychiatrist Dr. Howard Belkin. He explained killers can be classified into three categories.
"An absolutely normal person that gets overwhelmed with a situation reacts, does it out of a sense of frustration. There can also be the type that are the sociopaths or the anti-social personalities. They really have no respect for society's rules, think they can do exactly what they want to do when they want to do it, and they act out on these really terrible thoughts."
Then there are people like James Holmes, who told investigators he was the Joker from the Batman movie, even dying his hair color red like the character. Delusional at best.
"That sounds to me like a psychotic symptom. That sounds to me like a delusion. A delusion is a fixed false belief. It's something that someone believes they are or they have or they've heard that's clearly not true. Clearly this appears to be a fixed belief. It's obviously a false belief," Belkin said.
Initial reports indicated that Holmes' mother said "you have the right person" when asked by a reporter about how son being a suspect. Experts say we should all be watching our loved ones closely.
"Sometimes when people are closest to someone, they may have a feeling that the person could do something horrendous, and a parent who knows the child well and who's been able to speak to the child, especially in a recent period of time, may have an idea in the back of their mind," said Belkin.
Experts are also urging people to watch loved ones' behavior and point out that they're aware of suspicious activity. Holmes, investigators say, was stockpiling weapons in the weeks leading up to the shooting. Help is never far away to keep a disturbed person from crossing into the danger zone.
"If we know somebody who has a tendency towards violence, perhaps a tendency towards hurting other people, they've committed a violent act in the past, it's someone that you always want to keep a watch out for," Belkin remarked.
Belkin said if you feel like you're loved one has a problem and is maybe teetering on the edge of dangerous to call a therapist. If you don't feel comfortable with that right away, at least take them to the family doctor. They usually know the patients well enough to tell if something just isn't right.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:17 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:17:02 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:05 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:05:51 GMT
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:38:51 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:44:18 GMT
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.