Boulder, Colorado – Prosecutors in the city announced on Tuesday that the man responsible for the tragic shooting at a Boulder King Soopers store that claimed 10 lives in March 2021 has been deemed mentally fit at the time of the incident. This crucial detail is expected to play a significant role in the forthcoming criminal trial of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa. While the prosecution will likely emphasize this finding, defense attorneys are poised to challenge the verdict in an attempt to raise doubt among jurors regarding both the evaluation process and the mental state of the accused.
Alissa, a 25-year-old individual, entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. According to his defense team, an expert witness will testify that Alissa’s actions were a direct result of untreated severe schizophrenia, which involved hallucinations and psychosis. The families of the victims have expressed their frustration over the continued delays in Alissa’s trial, urging the judge to expedite the proceedings.
Originally deemed incompetent to stand trial, a ruling permitting the trial to proceed was not made until two years later in October 2023, with the trial date set for August. However, defense attorneys sought yet another delay, pushing for a trial start in March 2025. Despite the pleas from the victims’ families for a swift resolution, the judge agreed to only a three-week delay, rescheduling the trial to commence on September 9, 2024.
During a recent court hearing in Boulder, Alissa appeared in restraints, attired in a distinctive orange and white jumpsuit. Despite his restrained appearance, he engaged with his legal counsel and remained attentive throughout the proceedings. Following a hospitalization at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital, where he was medicated for schizophrenia and other mental health conditions, doctors affirmed his competence to stand trial only when under medication.
The events on March 22, 2021, recount a harrowing story wherein Alissa entered a South Boulder grocery store armed with guns, resulting in multiple casualties both inside the store and in the parking lot. Tragically, a Boulder police officer responding to the emergency calls was fatally shot by Alissa. The prolonged delays in the trial have been attributed to the defense team’s claims regarding Alissa’s mental state, leading to a situation where courtroom proceedings were significantly hindered.
Despite the difficult circumstances, family members of the victims expressed relief at the imminent conclusion of the trial. Echoing sentiments of empowerment, they acknowledged the emotional toll of confronting the alleged shooter in court, yet highlighted the importance of seeking closure after a prolonged period of waiting for justice to be served.