Boulder, Colorado – The man accused of shooting and killing 10 people at a King Soopers store in Boulder was found to be sane on the day of the tragic incident, according to prosecutors appearing in court on Tuesday. This new revelation is expected to play a significant role in Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa’s upcoming criminal trial, with prosecutors emphasizing the importance of this determination. However, defense attorneys are likely to challenge this finding, aiming to sow doubt among jurors regarding the assessment of state evaluators involved.
Alissa, a 25-year-old, has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. His defense team argues that his untreated severe schizophrenia, which includes hallucinations and psychosis, was a key factor in the shooting. Despite initial delays in moving forward with the trial due to concerns about Alissa’s competency, the judge eventually set a trial date for August. However, the defense team recently requested a postponement until March 2025, much to the frustration of the victims’ families.
Amidst disagreements over trial dates, the Boulder Judge agreed to a three-week delay, setting the trial to commence on September 9, 2024. Alissa, clad in an orange and white jumpsuit, sat in the courtroom restrained by leg chains and handcuffs, actively engaging with his attorneys and the proceedings. He has been under treatment at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo since December 2021, receiving medication for schizophrenia and various other mental health conditions.
Reports from medical staff at the mental health hospital deemed Alissa competent to stand trial as long as he remains medicated. These assessments also indicated his sanity at the time of the shooting. Both the prosecution and defense teams are preparing to present expert opinions on the issue of Alissa’s mental state at the time of the offense, offering additional insights to the jury.
The tragic events of March 22, 2021, saw Alissa armed with guns at the local grocery store, resulting in multiple casualties, including a police officer who responded to the scene. The delays in the trial proceedings have been a source of frustration for the victims’ families, who have been eagerly awaiting closure in the case. Despite the challenges of facing the alleged shooter in court, family members expressed a sense of empowerment in sharing their side of the story and hope for finally seeing justice served.