As more information has emerged about the alleged Colorado movie theater killer, it has been revealed that James Holmes served on the staff of a Jewish summer camp in California.

The man who is said to have opened fire in a crowded Aurora, Colorado theater during a special midnight showing of the new Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises – killing 12 people and wounding 58 – worked as a counselor for one summer at a camp run by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles. Camp Max Straus in Glendale, California, caters to underprivileged children of all ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Holmes, who was arrested by local police outside the theater following the deadly rampage, reportedly detonated smoke bombs to create mass confusion before beginning his shooting spree.

According to Randy Schwab, chief executive of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles and director of Camp Max Straus, “Mr. Holmes’ role was to ensure that these children had a wonderful camp experience by helping them learn confidence, self-esteem and how to work in small teams to effect positive outcomes.” Schwab added, “That summer provided the kids a wonderful camp experience without incident.”