Ruling limits liability of Aurora theater

DENVER, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- A federal magistrate has recommended limiting the grounds on which victims of the Aurora, Colo., theater massacre can sue the theater's owner.

In an opinion released Thursday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Hegarty said lawsuits against Cinemark USA are limited by the Colorado Premises Liability Act, The Denver Post reported. He said that would bar claims for wrongful death and negligence.

Twelve people were killed and many others wounded at the Century Aurora 16 on July 20 during a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises."

Hegarty's ruling involves seven lawsuits. At least three more have been filed.

U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson, who is overseeing the litigation, can overrule the magistrate.

James Holmes, a former University of Colorado graduate student, was arrested outside the theater. He is awaiting trial.