DENVER, Colorado -
DENVER (AP) - As reports
emerged of a suspicious package sent to a university the suspect in the
Colorado theater shooting once attended, the first memorial service was
held for a victim of the massacre.
The University of Colorado
Denver said Wednesday that the U.S. Postal Service delivered the package
Monday, and it was immediately investigated and turned over to
authorities within hours.
It wouldn't confirm its
contents or whether it was sent by former neuroscience graduate student
James Holmes. However multiple media outlets, citing unnamed sources,
reported Holmes sent a notebook with drawings and descriptions of an
attack.
Fox News' website was among
those reporting the notebook was in a package addressed to a
psychiatrist at the school. It was unclear if Holmes, 24, had any
previous contact with the person. The neuroscience program that he
withdrew from on June 10 included professors of psychiatry.
Holmes is accused of
opening fire on a theater showing the new Batman movie, killing 12
people and injuring 58. He is due to hear the charges against him at a
court hearing scheduled Monday.
NBC News, citing unnamed
sources, reported that Holmes told investigators to look for the package
and that it described killing people.
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies refused to confirm the reports to The Associated Press.
U.S. Postal Service
spokesman David Rupert said the agency's inspectors have no direct
knowledge of the package in question. He said no one has contacted the
Postal Service for assistance in the investigation.
Before a judge issued a gag
order in the case, police said Holmes received more than 50 packages at
the school and his home that apparently contained ammunition, combat
gear and explosive materials that he used in the attack and to
booby-trap his Aurora apartment.
The apartment building was
evacuated for days while authorities rendered it safe and collected
evidence. Residents were allowed to return Wednesday.
Holmes' defense team also briefly visited the building Wednesday and left without answering reporters' questions.
Holmes, who grew up in
California, was allegedly stockpiling for the attack while he studied at
the school's neuroscience program. He bought a shotgun and pistol in
May, authorities say. On June 7, the date he took a year-end oral exam,
he bought an assault rifle. He filed paperwork to leave the program
three days later and did not provide a reason, the university has said.
Meanwhile, 51-year-old Gordon Cowden was honored Wednesday at the first memorial service for a slain victim.
About 150 mourners
including Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper gathered on Wednesday the
father who had gone to see "The Dark Knight Rises" with his teenage
children. His children were unharmed.
Cowden lived in Aurora, the
Denver suburb where the theater is located. A family statement
described him as a "true Texas gentleman" who loved the outdoors and
owned his own business.
"A quick-witted world
traveler with a keen sense of humor, he will be remembered for his
devotion to his children and for always trying his best to do the right
thing, no matter the obstacle," his family said.
Cowden's memorial was also attended by Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan and Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates.
Later this week, families of other victims planned to say their final goodbyes.
Funerals were planned in
towns from San Antonio, home of aspiring sportscaster Jessica Ghawi, to
Crystal Lake, Ill., hometown of Navy intelligence officer John Thomas
Larimer.
Pierce O'Farrill, who
survived being shot three times in the attack, told The Denver Post he
has forgiven the gunman and feels sorrow for him.
"I want to see him
sometime. The first thing I want to say to him is 'I forgive you,' and
the next is, 'Can I pray for you?'" he told the newspaper.
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