Authorities release names of Aurora shooting victims

The Arapahoe County coroner released the names Saturday of the 12 people killed in Friday's mass shooting at an Aurora, Col. movie theater, NBC News is reporting.

“The cause of death in all cases is related to gunshot wounds,” Dr. Michael Doberson said. "The manner of death is homicide.”

Authorities said 26 of the other 58 people injured in the attack are still hospitalized. Nine of them are in critical condition.

The victims range in age from 6 to 51 years old. The mother of the youngest victim, Veronica Moser-Sullivan, was one of those in critical condition after being shot in the throat of the abdomen. She had not been informed of her daughter's death.

"This is just a nightmare right now," said the child's great-aunt, Annie Dalton. "It's a nightmare. Everything's surreal. It's just surreal."

Also confirmed dead was U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class John Thomas Larimer, 27. Larimer had joined the Navy less than a year ago. His family in Illinois was informed early Saturday morning, according to CNN.

"He was an outstanding shipmate," said his commanding officer, Cmdr. Jeffrey Jakuboski. "A valued member of our Navy team, he will be missed by all who knew him. My heart goes out to John's family, friends and loved ones, as well as to all victims of this horrible tragedy."

Also confirmed as dead Saturday were Alexander Jonathan Boik, 18; Jonathan Blunk, 26; Jesse Childress, 29; Gordon W. Cowden, 51; Jessica Ghawi, 24; Matt McQuinn, 27; Micayla Medek, 23; Alex Sullivan, 27; Alex Teves, 24; and Rebecca Ann Wingo, 32.

Survivors were allowed to return to the theater Saturday for their belongings, which had been left behind following the building's evacuation and investigation.

According to KUSA-TV, two vigils had been scheduled for Saturday evening, with two more planned for Sunday.

Watch a report from CNN, aired July 21, below: