Colorado Shooting Suspect Was Camp Counselor in LA County

James Holmes, suspected in the Aurora, Colorado, theater mass shooting, worked as a counselor in 2008 in Los Angeles County

The Colorado shooting suspect worked as a camp counselor in Los Angeles County in 2008 that was run by Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters, the group's CEO confirmed to NBC4 on Saturday.

James Holmes, 24, was a cabin counselor at Camp Max Straus during the summer of 2008, said Randy Schwab, the CEO of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters, said in a statement to NBC4.

"It is with shock and sorrow that we learned of the incident in Aurora," Schwab said in the statement. "Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends of those involved in this horrible tragedy.

"On behalf of Camp Max Straus I want to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences."

Get more coverage in our special section "The Dark Knight" Massacre

As cabin counselor, Holmes was responsible for the care and guidance of a group of about 10 children.

His role was to ensure that the children had a "wonderful camp experience."

He "helped them learn confidence, self esteem and how to work in small teams to effect positive outcomes," the statement said. "These skills are learned through activities such as archery, horseback riding, swimming, art, sports and high ropes course."

Camp Max Straus is a nonsectarian program for children ages 7-14, run by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles.

The Colorado graduate student is suspected of killing 12 moviegoers and wounding 58 others on Friday during the premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises."

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