A hearing is underway to determine if Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, the man accused of killing 10 people at a Colorado supermarket in 2021, is mentally competent to stand trial.
Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, Accused Of Killing 10 People, Mental Competence For Trial Set To Be Debated| Photo: KMTV
Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, who has schizophrenia, was found mentally competent by experts at the state mental hospital in August.
However, the defense attorney of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa requested the determination to be debated in court.
The two-day hearing will include testimony, and a ruling from the judge is expected soon. Mental competency means Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa is able to understand court proceedings and assist with his defense, but it does not imply Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa has been cured.
Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa is charged with murder and multiple attempted murder counts after a shooting spree in a crowded grocery store.
The motive of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa for the shooting remains unknown.
Mental competency is distinct from pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, according to AP News.
The case has been on hold for two years, and victims of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa and their families are eager for it to progress.
Judge Ingrid Bakke has scheduled a two-day hearing that will involve testimony. Bakke has also rejected the request of the defense attorney of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa for an additional evaluation from the mental hospital, AP News added.
READ MORE| Expert Ruling That Colorado Supermarket Shooting Suspect Is Competent for Trial Set to Be
