Aurora Theater Shooting: Mother Says Youngest Shooting Victim Was 'Always Trying to Make People Happy'

Families of the victims testify in the final phase of James Holmes' sentencing

Photo: Courtesy Sullivan Family

Veronica Moser-Sullivan was full of life. The 6-year-old had a sunny disposition and was excited about becoming a big sister.

But her life was tragically cut short when James Holmes opened fire in an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater in 2012, killing 12 people and injuring 70 more. Moser-Sullivan was the gunman’s youngest victim.

Her mother, Ashley Moser, was pregnant at the time of the attack. She was paralyzed by a bullet and lost her unborn baby.

On Wednesday, Ashley told the jury what she missed most about her slain daughter. “Everything,” she said, haltingly. “Her smile, her laugh, the way she was my little silly-billy. She was always trying to make people happy.”

Now 28, Moser says she is often afraid to leave the house. She suffers from depression and anxiety.

The young mother’s testimony left several jurors in tears as other family members took the stand.

“She personified a little angel,” said Veronica’s grandfather, Robert Sullivan. “There was only six years there, but we could see the seeds of great potential. She was a sweetheart.”

The family’s emotional testimony was part of the final phase of Holmes’ sentencing. Last week, the jury determined that he was eligible for the death penalty. If jurors decide against the death penalty, Holmes will be sentenced to life in prison.

Last month, Holmes was found guilty on all counts of first-degree murder after a day and a half of jury deliberation. Holmes, who pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, stood silently as the verdict was announced.

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