The man suspected of carrying out a mass shooting at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, in 2021 has been ruled fit to stand trial, according to a judge’s ruling on Friday. Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, accused of killing ten people in the shooting, including a store manager and a police officer, will remain in custody at a state hospital to ensure he continues to take medication to maintain his competency.
The ruling comes after Alissa was initially deemed incompetent to stand trial in December 2021. However, his condition worsened while at the Boulder County Jail, leading to his transfer to a state hospital for treatment. The judge’s order restoring his competency states that Alissa has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, but his ability to stand trial is not hindered by delusions.
In response to the ruling, the Colorado Mental Health Institute (CMHI) in Pueblo has agreed to retain custody of Alissa. The judge strongly urged the hospital to do so due to the gravity of the case. The decision has been welcomed by the Boulder County District Attorney, who expressed hope that the trial can now move forward and justice will be served.
The shooting took place on March 22, 2021, at a King Soopers grocery store. Alissa was able to purchase a firearm used in the attack after passing a background check. He now faces a total of 54 charges, including ten counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Evaluators at the state hospital have noted that Alissa exhibited impoverished speech and thoughts upon his arrival in December 2021. However, his condition improved significantly when he began court-ordered medication. Although concerns remain about his tendency to isolate himself and his speech impairment, the judge determined that he has made significant progress as documented in later hospital reports.
The ruling also considered the importance of Alissa’s medication regime and stable therapeutic environment, which the Boulder County Jail cannot provide. Alissa’s attorney argued against his competency, pointing out his limited attention span and inability to fully understand court proceedings. However, the judge upheld the doctors’ and evaluators’ assessments that Alissa’s competency remains contingent on his medication.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for November 14, during which prosecutors will present evidence and witnesses to demonstrate Alissa’s likely competency to stand trial.
Overall, the ruling that Alissa is fit to stand trial has provided some hope for the victims’ families, who are eager to see justice served. The decision ensures that Alissa will receive the necessary medication and treatment at the state hospital while his case is ongoing.
