Boulder Trial: Family Testifies on Mental Illness of Accused Shooter
During the ninth day of testimony in the murder trial of Ahmad Alissa, accused of killing 10 people in a Boulder King Soopers in 2021, his family took the stand to discuss his history of severe schizophrenia. Alissa’s older brother expressed regret for not alerting authorities about his brother’s deteriorating mental health. The defendant’s father testified that he believed his son was possessed by a jinn, a supernatural being mentioned in the Qur’an, ascribing his strange behavior to this.
Throughout the trial, it has been established that Alissa was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions during the shooting, but his defense argues that he was legally insane at the time. Alissa was not treated for mental illness until a year after the shooting, and his condition only improved significantly after being prescribed Clozapine. This change in medication helped him become more engaged and expressive, indicating progress in his treatment.
Despite his mental illness, experts have stated that a diagnosis of schizophrenia does not automatically equate to legal insanity. The trial is expected to conclude with jury instructions and closing arguments soon. Throughout the proceedings, it has become apparent that Alissa’s family struggled to address his mental health issues due to cultural stigma, highlighting the challenges faced in seeking help for individuals with mental illness in certain communities. The case sheds light on the complexities of navigating the intersection of mental health, cultural beliefs, and legal responsibility in cases of extreme violence.
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