The man accused of perpetrating the horrific mass shooting at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, nearly two years ago remains mentally incompetent to stand trial, a judge declared on Friday, January 27, 2023. This determination further delays the legal proceedings against 23-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, who faces ten counts of murder and numerous attempted murder charges.
This isn’t the first time Alissa’s mental competency has been questioned. Judge Ingrid Bakke initially deemed him incompetent in December 2021, suspending the court proceedings and ordering him to undergo treatment at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo. More than a year later, this latest evaluation echoes the previous findings, leaving the victims’ families and the community still searching for answers and justice.
Memorial outside King Soopers supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, commemorating the victims of the 2021 mass shooting. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
The Ongoing Struggle for Competency
The January 27th hearing shed some light on the complexities of Alissa’s mental state. Prosecutors disclosed that evaluations conducted at the state hospital indicate Alissa exhibits symptoms consistent with schizophrenia. Consequently, the district attorney’s office seeks to appoint an independent expert to conduct a comprehensive forensic neuropsychological assessment. District Attorney Michael Dougherty emphasized the importance of this assessment in determining whether Alissa’s symptoms align with a diagnosable mental health disorder. However, he declined to elaborate further on Alissa’s specific condition.
Alissa’s defense attorney, Kathryn Herold, immediately objected to the proposed forensic assessment. Judge Bakke, acknowledging the disagreement, postponed a decision on the matter for at least a month, allowing both the prosecution and defense to submit written arguments outlining their respective positions.
While the latest report confirms Alissa’s current incompetence, it also offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting a “reasonable likelihood” of him eventually attaining competency. This optimistic outlook has been a recurring theme in previous evaluations, though the details of these reports remain confidential and unavailable to the public.
Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, the suspect in the Boulder supermarket shooting, during a previous court appearance. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski/Pool, File)
A History of Mental Health Concerns
Concerns regarding Alissa’s mental health arose immediately following the tragic events of March 2021. His defense team promptly raised these concerns, and court documents responding to a 2021 evaluation revealed a provisional diagnosis of an unspecified mental health condition. This condition reportedly impaired his ability to engage in meaningful conversations with others, further complicating the legal proceedings.
The Path Forward: Legal and Psychological Challenges
The recurring question of Alissa’s competency highlights the intricate intersection of law and mental health. Competency, in a legal context, refers to a defendant’s ability to understand the charges against them, the court proceedings, and to assist their legal counsel in their defense. This is distinct from a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, which focuses on the defendant’s mental state at the time of the crime.
The periodic competency hearings serve as a crucial checkpoint in assessing Alissa’s progress and determining whether he can meaningfully participate in his own defense. Until he is deemed competent, the legal proceedings remain suspended, leaving the victims, their families, and the community in a state of limbo.
The Boulder Supermarket Shooting: A Community Scarred
The Boulder supermarket shooting remains a deeply painful chapter for the community. On that fateful day, Alissa allegedly opened fire both inside and outside the King Soopers store, indiscriminately killing shoppers, store employees, and a responding police officer who bravely attempted to stop the attack. Alissa, a resident of the nearby suburb of Arvada, surrendered after being shot and wounded by another officer.
Despite extensive investigations, authorities have yet to publicly disclose a motive for the senseless act of violence. It has been confirmed that Alissa legally purchased a Ruger AR-556 pistol just six days prior to the shooting, after passing a background check.
Seeking Justice and Understanding
The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the Boulder supermarket shooting are undeniably complex. The pursuit of justice must navigate the challenging terrain of mental health, ensuring a fair trial while also addressing the needs of a community grappling with profound loss and unanswered questions. As the case continues to unfold, the focus remains on achieving a just resolution while acknowledging the profound impact of mental illness on this tragic event. The search for answers and accountability continues, as the community strives to heal and find a path forward.
