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Scare At Edgewater Movie Theater Cancels Showing Of 'The Dark Knight Rises'

EDGEWATER, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An incident involving an emergency exit led officials to cancel the screening of "The Dark Knight Rises'' at a Bergen County movie theater.

Moviegoers at the Edgewater Multiplex called police when a man walked to an emergency exit and started talking with someone outside before returning to his seat about 90 minutes into the film, police said.

Police stopped the movie and asked the person who opened the door to come forward. When no one did, the movie was canceled and about 100 customers received refunds.

Moviegoers and police departments around the country have been on edge since Friday's mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo. during a midnight showing of the new Batman movie.

Twelve people were killed and dozens more were injured when police said 24-year-old James Holmes, clad in body armor and armed with an assault rifle, a shotgun and handguns, walked into the theater and opened fire.

Holmes is back behind bars after making his first court appearance on Monday.

Formal charges are expected next Monday, but there are still plenty of questions swirling about what comes after that, especially given Holmes' demeanor in court.

Holmes, with his hair dyed reddish-orange, appeared dazed in court, often looking down and closing his eyes while showing little emotion.

He struggled to keep his eyes open or stared blankly ahead. Other times it was the opposite -- his eyes would open wide as his head dropped down.

First Court Hearing Held For Alleged CO Movie Theater Shooter
A composite image of accused movie theater shooter James Holmes during his first court appearance on July 23, 2012 in Centennial, Colorado. (Photo by RJ Sangosti-Pool/Getty Images)

"You've committed the offense of first degree murder, a class one felony," Judge William Sylvester said to Holmes.

Holmes said nothing in court. He was wearing a maroon jailhouse jumpsuit and a bulletproof vest during the 12 minute hearing that advised him of his rights.

Also in the courtroom were five members of victims' families.

Eighteenth Judicial District Attorney Carol Chambers said Monday her office is considering pursuing the death penalty against Holmes. She said a decision will be made in consultation with victims' families and said it will be months before a decision is made.

As Holmes awaits his next court date, authorities will search his computer and papers taken from his apartment while also investigating a rumored break-up with a girlfriend that may have happened just as Holmes allegedly began planning the attack, CBS News reported.

As prosecutors build their case against Holmes, an attorney for his family is asking for privacy.

"Their hearts go out to the victims and their families," said Holmes family attorney Lisa Damiani, adding Holmes' parents stand by their son.

Police have said Holmes is not talking, leaving them to try to piece together a motive. They also want to know how he was able to afford $14,000 worth of guns, armor and ammunition.

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(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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