Ahmad Alissa Found Guilty in Boulder Grocery Store Shooting
Jurors reached a verdict Monday in the trial of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, who has been found guilty of the March 22, 2021, shooting that tragically claimed the lives of 10 individuals at the King Soopers in South Table Mesa, Boulder. In addition to the 10 counts of first-degree murder, Alissa was also convicted on a total of 38 counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault, and six counts of possession of a large-capacity magazine during the commission of a felony.
Legal Sanity at the Time of the Shooting
Throughout the trial, jurors were tasked with determining Alissa’s mental state during the attack. He had previously admitted to the shooting, prompting discussions regarding his mental health and its impact on his culpability.
Victims Remembered and Community Response
Governor Jared Polis spoke out following the jury’s decision, reflecting on the lasting pain felt by the Boulder community since the attack. “Three years ago, our community felt the unbearable pain of losing ten of our fellow Coloradans in a senseless attack,” Polis stated. While acknowledging that the verdict might not alleviate the community’s sorrow, he expressed hope that it would bring some sense of peace to the victims’ families.
Family’s Perspective
In the wake of the verdict, Alissa’s brother commented on his brother’s gradual mental health decline leading up to the incident. “We know he changed since 2018 to 2021… three years of changing, it’s not like overnight,” he shared with reporters, adding his feelings of sympathy toward the victims’ families.
Witness Testimonies
Various witnesses testified during the trial, including individuals who were present in the grocery store during the attack. Some noted disturbing comments made by Alissa, where he reportedly stated: “This is fun” while he was shooting. Law enforcement officials who were the first on the scene also provided crucial testimonies.
Defense Claims
Alissa’s defense attorneys contended that he was afflicted with a mental illness at the time of the shooting, arguing that he was unable to distinguish right from wrong. Alissa had previously pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to all charges.
Trial Delays and Proceedings
The trial experienced a number of delays, as the court had to ascertain Alissa’s competency to stand trial. Opening statements took place on September 5, leading to Monday’s verdict.
Upcoming Sentencing
The verdict was delivered at approximately 1:25 p.m., with sentencing scheduled for 2:30 p.m. The upcoming proceedings will be broadcast live.
