Colorado shooting suspect makes first court appearance as lawyer requests mental health assessment
- Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa’s lawyer provided no details about what condition he might suffer from
- Syrian-born Alissa entered court in a wheelchair, presumably because of the gunshot wound to the leg that he suffered in the shooting
The suspected gunman in the Boulder supermarket shooting that killed 10 people appeared in court on Thursday for the first time, and a defence lawyer immediately asked for an assessment of his mental health.
Kathryn Herold, the lawyer for suspect Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, provided no details about what condition he might suffer from.
During the brief hearing, Alissa did not speak other than to say “yes” to a question from the judge, who advised him of the 10 charges of first-degree murder he faces. He did not enter a plea, which will come later in the judicial process.
Alissa entered court in a wheelchair, presumably because of the gunshot wound to the leg that he suffered in the shooting. One of his lawyers leaned down to talk to him before the hearing began, and Alissa appeared alert and attentive, nodding his head as the lawyer spoke to him. Four deputies with black bands of mourning across their badges stood close by.
The 21-year-old suspect remains held without bail. Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said authorities planned to file more charges, but he did not elaborate.