Ahmad Alissa Convicted of Murder in Colorado Supermarket Shooting
A mentally ill man who killed 10 people at a Colorado supermarket in 2021 was convicted Monday of murder and faces life in prison.
Background of the Case
Defense attorneys did not dispute that Ahmad Alissa, who has schizophrenia, fatally shot 10 people including a police officer in the college town of Boulder. But he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, with the defense arguing he couldn’t tell right from wrong at the time of the attack.
The Trial
In addition to 10 counts of first-degree murder, the jury found Alissa guilty on 38 charges of attempted murder, one count of assault, and six counts of possessing illegal, large-capacity magazines.
Alissa did not visibly react as the judge began reciting the guilty verdicts against him. He sat at a table with his attorneys and appeared to trade notes with members of the defense team, speaking quietly at times with one of his attorneys.
The Evidence
Prosecutors had to prove Alissa was sane. They argued he didn’t fire randomly and showed an ability to make decisions by pursuing people who were running and trying to hide from him. He twice passed by a 91-year-old man who continued to shop, unaware of the shooting.
He came armed with steel-piercing bullets and illegal magazines that can hold 30 rounds of ammunition, which prosecutors said showed he took deliberate steps to make the attack as deadly as possible.
The Defense
The defense argued that Alissa was insane at the time of the attack, citing his diagnosis with schizophrenia and his reported hearing of voices. However, the prosecution presented evidence that Alissa was able to make decisions and take deliberate actions during the attack.
The Verdict
The jury found Alissa guilty of all charges, including 10 counts of first-degree murder. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Conclusion
The conviction of Ahmad Alissa brings closure to the families of the victims and serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence. The case highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and the need for stricter gun control laws.
FAQs
Q: What was the motive behind the shooting?
A: The prosecution did not offer any motive for the shooting.
Q: Did Alissa have a history of mental health issues?
A: Yes, Alissa was diagnosed with schizophrenia after the attack and experts said the behaviors described by relatives are consistent with the onset of the disease.
Q: Did Alissa have any prior criminal history?
A: No, this was Alissa’s first criminal offense.
Q: What sentence does Alissa face?
A: Alissa faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
