Boulder, Colorado – The man accused of killing 10 people at a Boulder King Soopers store was deemed sane at the time of the shooting, prosecutors revealed in court on Tuesday. Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, the 25-year-old defendant, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, with his defense team citing untreated severe schizophrenia.
The announcement of Alissa’s sanity on the day of the tragic incident is expected to play a crucial role in his upcoming criminal trial. While prosecutors intend to highlight this revelation, the defense plans to challenge the validity of the finding and the state evaluators who reached that conclusion.
After enduring delays due to competency evaluations, a trial date had been set for August, only for the defense to request a postponement to March 2025. The families of the victims expressed frustration with the prolonged legal process, urging for a timely resolution to honor their loved ones’ memories.
During the hearing in a Boulder courtroom, Alissa, dressed in an orange and white striped jumpsuit, appeared engaged with his defense team and the proceedings. He has been receiving treatment for schizophrenia and other mental health conditions while incarcerated at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo.
Despite objections from the defense, the judge agreed to a three-week delay in the trial, setting the new start date for September 9, 2024. The decision was made to ensure that sufficient time is dedicated to reviewing the expert opinions and evidence on Alissa’s sanity at the time of the shooting.
Authorities recounted the events of March 22, 2021, when Alissa allegedly carried firearms into the grocery store and opened fire, resulting in multiple casualties, including a Boulder police officer. In the courtroom, family members of the victims expressed a mix of emotions, including relief that the trial would eventually reach a conclusion after enduring numerous setbacks.
As the legal proceedings continue, both sides are preparing to present their respective experts to support their arguments regarding Alissa’s mental state and culpability at the time of the offense. The trial promises to be a pivotal moment in seeking justice for the lives lost in the senseless act of violence in Boulder.