Colorado jury finds Boulder grocery store shooter guilty of 10 counts of first-degree murder

The jury reached a verdict on Monday afternoon in the Boulder grocery store shooting trial. The jury found Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa guilty of shooting and Killing of 10 people at South Table Mesa King Soopers on March 22, 2021in addition to guilty verdicts on dozens of other charges.

The jury had to determine whether Alissa, the shooter, admitted the shootingwas legally competent at the time of the attack.

In addition to the 10 counts of first-degree murder, the jury also found the shooter guilty of 38 counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault and six counts of possession of a large firearms magazine during the commission of a felony.

Governor Jared Polis released the following statement on the guilty verdict: “Three years ago, our community felt the unbearable pain of losing ten of our fellow Coloradans in a senseless attack on the community of Boulder. That day, loved ones, friends and neighbors were taken from us far too soon in an act of pure evil. Today, justice is being served. While I know this guilty verdict will not heal the pain so many of us feel or bring back those who were killed, I hope it can bring some peace. My thoughts are with the family and friends of Eric Talley, Rikki Olds, Teri Leiker, Denny Stong, Suzanne Fountain, Tralona Bartkowiak, Neven Stanisic, Lynn Murray, Jody Waters and Kevin Mahoney, and the entire community of Boulder. We are all still Boulder Strong.”

Alissa's brother spoke to CBS News Colorado outside the courthouse. He said his brother's mental state had gradually changed over time: “We know he changed from 2018 to 2021… three years of change, that doesn't happen overnight.”

When asked how he felt about the families of the shooting victims, he replied: “I feel sorry for the victims and of course, if I were in their position, I would probably wish for death.”

Several family members of those killed in the shooting spoke during the sentencing hearing Monday afternoon, where the victims were given their statements.

“I wish the young man behind the gun had experienced more love in his life, because then maybe none of this would have happened,” said Erika Mahoney, Kevin Mahoney's daughter.

“My daughter, your sister, your aunt, your granddaughter, your niece, your cousin was one of 10 people who lost their lives in the Boulder massacre. She was murdered. She was gone. We will never see her again. Never hug her. Never laugh with her, never anything. There are no words for losing a child or a loved one in this way,” said Star Bartkowiak, Tralona Bartkowiak's mother.

“Rikki was born with a spark, the spark of a pure heart, and she was extremely kind. She went out of her way to make everyone smile. When you met her, she changed your life,” said Lori Olds, Rikki Olds' aunt.

“My mother was a strong woman in a way where you could feel that with every step she took and every word she spoke, she carried the feeling of love in her heart. And those of us who were lucky enough to remember her presence remembered that she was simply embodied by love, and not in an over-the-top way. In a way that made you feel safe, seen, heard and loved. She didn't judge. She had no ego. She was just cool,” said Olivia Mackenzie, Lynn Murray's daughter.

Alissa was arrested at the scene.

Witness testimony for the prosecution including witnesses who were in the store at the time of the shooting and Police officers who first on the scene after the shooting was reported. Witnesses included a woman who said She heard the shooter say: “This is fun” while shooting at people in the store.

Defense attorneys insisted that Alissa suffered from mental illness and was unable to distinguish between right and wrong on the day of the shooting.

Opening arguments in the trial began on September 5 after several years of delays due to the court’s efforts to to determine whether the shooter was fit to stand trial.

Alissa pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to all charges, including ten counts of first-degree murder.

The verdict was read at around 1:25 p.m. The verdict is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on CBS News Colorado.