During a competency hearing in Boulder County District Court, a psychologist testified that Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, the man accused of killing ten people at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, had told mental health professionals that he purchased guns with the intention of carrying out a mass shooting and “committing suicide by cop.” Alissa, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, expressed a preference for pleading not guilty by reason of insanity to the first-degree murder charges against him.
Forensic psychologist Loandra Torres, who evaluated Alissa for competency at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital, stated that Alissa had experienced hallucinations on the day of the attack and had not sought mental health treatment in the past. Two forensic psychologists testified that Alissa has schizophrenia and had not received treatment for the illness before arriving at the hospital.
The evaluation revealed that Alissa had a good factual understanding of the court process but struggled to communicate clearly and think rationally due to his schizophrenia. After a year-long treatment attempt, Alissa’s condition improved when he began a new medication in March, leading to significant progress. Torres found Alissa to be competent in August, acknowledging his recognition of his mental illness and the evidence against him.
Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty expressed his belief that Alissa has been restored to competency and that the case should move forward. Boulder County District Court Judge Ingrid Bakke will now decide whether to affirm or reject the evaluators’ findings, determining whether the criminal case against Alissa can proceed or remain stalled.
The decision is expected by early next week.