James Holmes Uncle Shocked by Charges

The uncle of the alleged "Dark Knight" shooter is shocked and surprised by what happened.

The Colorado "Dark Knight" theater shooting suspect's uncle, who lives in Carmel, said he was "blown away," that his 24-year-old nephew was arrested, accused of opening fire inside a movie theater.

James Holmes, who is the uncle of the alleged shooter of the same name, found out about the deadly rampage at 5 a.m. when he was called by the media.

The news completely surprised and shocked him, the elder Holmes said, adding that he is not very close to his nephew, who goes by Jimmy.

"Jimmy" Holmes, a Westview High School graduate whose family still lives in Rancho Penasquitos, was arrested shortly after the 12:30 a.m. shooting at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater.

Nothing in his nephew's background would suggest that the graduate student at the University of Colorado's Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver - who withdrew last month - would have suggested such behavior. " When he wasn't attending school, "Jimmy" Holmes lived in San Diego.

A neighbor in San Diego described his former classmate as shy and witty.

The elder Homes, who did not want to speak on camera, said he was "horrified" by what happened. He described his nephew as a "nerd" and an "unassuming kid."

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