James Holmes, the man accused of killing 12 people last July at a midnight premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, has reportedly converted to Islam.

Holmes has exhibited extremely erratic behavior since his arrest on July 20, after a shooting that left 12 dead and 58 people wounded. He has since reportedly converted to Islam, observing a strict Muslim diet, studying the Qur’an, and praying up to five times a day. Holmes was in court last month wearing a beard, which one source says is a symbol of his new-found faith.

The source also said that Holmes converted to Islam in order to justify his crimes.

“He has brainwashed himself into believing he was on his own personal jihad and that his victims were infidels,” a source told The National Enquirer, a tabloid.

The source continues that Holmes’ Muslim inmates are unhappy with his conversion to the religion.

“None of them condone forms of terrorism or extremism,” the source said. “And they don’t want their religion to be connected to that awful shooting.”

Holmes is charged with 166 counts of murder and attempted murder. A Colorado judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf earlier this month. If convicted, Holmes could spend the rest of his life in jail, or possibly be put to death.

Prosecutors haven’t said whether they’ll pursue the death penalty yet, but will make their decision public on April 1. Holmes’ own lawyers have raised questions about his mental health. He was allegedly held, with restraints, in the psychiatric ward for several days last fall, because he was considered a danger to himself.

Being that it is a tabloid report, the possibility that James Holmes has converted to Islam is more than a little doubtful. The Enquirer has reported solid exposés in the past regarding John Edwards and Tiger Woods, but most of their daily coverage has been criticized for falling short of basic industry standards.

Do you think reports that James Holmes has converted to Islam are true?