Parents of accused movie theater killer plead for his life in a letter released Friday. James Eagen Holmes’ parents claimed he is a person “gripped by a severe mental illness,” according to Mercury News, and begged for prosecutors to have mercy on their son.

Holmes’ parents recommended a plea deal for Holmes to be sentenced to jail for life instead of facing the death penalty in their letter . They reiterated that he is not “a monster” though everyone has likened him to be a monster.

Holmes’ parents extended their prayers and thoughts to the families of the victims and said they wished that July 20, 2012 “never happened.” Families of the victims declined to comment to the letter when contacted. On July 20, Holmes opened fire in Aurora, Colo. at a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises. He shot and killed 12 people, and 70 people were injured.

Holmes has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He has already undergone two confidential mental-health evaluations. If found not guilty, Holmes will spend the rest of his years in an institution receiving treatment for his mental illness. If found guilty, he will most likely face the death penalty. Jury summons were sent to 9,000 potential jurors. The trial is expected to be months long, broadcast live and to begin some time between late May and early June.

Holmes’ parents expressed their love for their son, the need for his institutionalization and their beliefs that the death penalty is morally wrong. Additionally, they dismissed the need for a long trial. They claimed that a long trial will only make everyone “relive those horrible moments” and cause “additional trauma.” They also committed one paragraph in their letter to recognizing the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Murder Victims’ Families for Human Rights. Both of these groups argue against the execution of those who are mentally ill.

Robert and Arlene Holmes wrote that prior to the shooting, Holmes did not have a criminal history and had never harmed anyone. They said that their son being sentenced to an institution for life would keep him from harming himself or others in the future.

Earlier in the case, defense attorneys told prosecutors in a court filing that, in exchange for dropping the death penalty, Holmes offered to plead guilty. This was done in an effort to avoid trial. However, prosecutors stated that they needed to assess the plea offer.

Holmes’ parents, both with successful professions in scientific fields, have traveled from San Diego to California for Holmes’ appearances in court frequently. Normally, they are seated quiet and calm, rarely speaking or looking toward their son.

The Post secured the letter through Lisa Damiani, the Holmes family attorney. This is the first time Holmes’ parents have spoken publicly about the shooting and their grief, aside from a brief comment on the morning of the shootings. In their letter, they stated that they had not participated in interviews before because they wanted to keep the attention on the victims’ families. “The focus should be on the injured and their healing,” they wrote.