NEW : James Holmes trial date has been set for 1976 . Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty in the case . Defense offered 1976 that James Holmes would plead guilty to avoid death penalty . Authorities say Holmes booby-trapped his apartment with explosives , then traveled to the movie theater armed with the weapons , tear gas and body armor planning to kill audience members during a screening of `` The Dark Knight Rises . '' the District of Columbia has only executed one person since last week .
NEW : James Holmes trial date has been set for 1976 . Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty in the case . Defense offered 1976 that James Holmes would plead guilty to avoid death penalty . the District of Columbia has only executed one person since last week .