Boulder, Colorado – Prosecutors revealed in court on Tuesday that Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, the man accused of shooting and killing 10 people at a Boulder King Soopers store in March 2021, was found to be sane on the day of the shooting. This new development is expected to play a crucial role in Alissa’s upcoming criminal trial, where prosecutors will likely emphasize the findings while defense attorneys seek to cast doubt on the evaluation of his mental state.
The 25-year-old has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, with his defense team arguing that untreated severe schizophrenia, including hallucinations and psychosis, played a significant role in the tragic events. However, families of the victims have expressed frustration over the constant delays in the trial process.
Initially deemed incompetent to stand trial, it took two years for the legal proceedings to move forward, ultimately setting a trial date for August. However, defense attorneys requested a delay until March 2025, which was met with resistance from the judge. The trial is now scheduled to begin on September 9, 2024, following a three-week delay.
Throughout the court hearing in Boulder, Alissa appeared in restraints while his state of mind was discussed. He has been receiving treatment at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital since December 2021, where doctors have deemed him competent to stand trial as long as he remains medicated.
The tragic incident on March 22, 2021, saw Alissa open fire at the grocery store, resulting in multiple casualties, including a Boulder police officer who responded to the scene. Despite the defense’s claims of Alissa’s incompetence, prosecutors are determined to prove his sanity at the time of the offense through expert testimonies and medical evaluations.
As the trial proceedings finally move forward, family members of the victims are hopeful for closure and justice. Erika Mahoney, the daughter of one of the victims, expressed relief that the trial would soon come to a conclusion, allowing them to share their side of the story after a prolonged period of waiting.