Prosecutors Claim Boulder Shooter Was Calculated Killer

Trial focuses on Alissa's mental state during supermarket mass shooting
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Sep 5, 2024 1:24 PM CDT
Prosecutors Claim Boulder Shooter Was Calculated Killer
Pictures of the 10 victims of a mass shooting in a King Soopers grocery store are posted on a cement barrier outside the supermarket in Boulder, Colo., on April 23, 2021.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

In the opening remarks of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa's trial, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty asserted that the accused was not insane when he fatally shot 10 people at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, in 2021. Alissa has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia post-shooting, and Dougherty emphasized his perspective: "The victims were random, but the murders were absolutely deliberate and intentional."

The crux of the three-week trial revolves around Alissa's mental state at the time of the killings; his guilt is not in questions. While Alissa's legal team argues that his actions were influenced by untreated mental illness, the prosecution insists he fully understood the consequences. Despite relatives describing his paranoia and withdrawal before the attack, prosecutors noted Alissa was never previously treated for any mental health disorders.

No one who was shot survived, with Dougherty emphasizing Alissa intentionally finished off those he wounded with subsequent shots. After killing Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, Alissa surrendered to other responding officers and followed their instructions, a detail used by the prosecution to argue his awareness and intent. Should the insanity plea succeed, Alissa could avoid prison and end up in a state mental hospital. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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