A judge in Boulder, Colorado, has ruled that Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, the man accused of killing 10 people in a shooting rampage at a supermarket in 2021, is mentally competent to stand trial. Judge Ingrid Bakke made the decision after considering an August determination by experts at a state mental hospital that Alissa was competent, despite previous evaluations suggesting otherwise. Alissa, who has schizophrenia, is now able to understand court proceedings and contribute to his own defense.
Alissa, 24, is facing charges of murder and multiple attempted murder counts for the shooting spree that took place on March 22, 2021, at a King Soopers Store in Boulder. The shooting began outside the store, with Alissa allegedly shooting at least one person in the parking lot before moving inside. Employees and customers fled the scene, seeking shelter in nearby stores or leaving through loading docks. Alissa was apprehended by a SWAT team.
The motive for the shooting has not yet been disclosed by authorities. Alissa’s mental condition has reportedly improved after being forced to take medication to treat his schizophrenia under a court order. However, mental competency does not indicate a cure, and it is separate from pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.
The remodeled King Soopers store reopened last year, with approximately half of the previous employees choosing to return.
