The trial of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, who killed 10 people at a Colorado supermarket, revealed that he heard “killing voices” before the shooting. A psychologist testified that Alissa, diagnosed with severe schizophrenia, failed to provide more details about these voices during interviews. Though he heard voices yelling to kill, he did not disclose any other information. Despite his mental illness, forensic psychologists concluded that Alissa was legally sane at the time of the shooting, able to distinguish between right and wrong.
Alissa’s defense team argues that he should be found not guilty by reason of insanity because he was unable to comprehend the consequences of his actions due to his mental illness. However, the prosecution maintains that Alissa was fully aware of his actions when he carried out the attack. Alissa himself expressed a desire to die during the shooting so he would not have to face jail time but ultimately surrendered to authorities, signaling a level of awareness and control in his actions.
In the court proceedings, Alissa’s defense questioned the reliability of the psychologists’ findings due to the lack of detailed information provided by Alissa about his experiences. They highlighted the challenges of relying on a person with treatment-resistant schizophrenia to explain their mental state during a violent incident. Despite the defense’s arguments, Alissa’s actions in surrendering without further violence raised doubts about his lack of control over his actions during the shooting.
The charges against Alissa include multiple counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and possessing banned high-capacity ammunition devices. The trial is expected to continue with testimony on Alissa’s sanity wrapping up soon. The defense plans to call Alissa’s relatives as witnesses to shed light on his mental state and behavior leading up to the shooting. The case raises complex legal and ethical questions about the intersection of mental illness and criminal responsibility in cases of mass violence. The final verdict will determine Alissa’s fate and the broader implications for holding individuals accountable for their actions in the face of severe mental health issues.
