Grocery Store Shooting: Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa Faces New Charge For Allegedly Firing At Second Officer
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4/AP) -- The man accused of killing 10 people at a grocery store in Boulder on Monday appeared in court for the first time on Thursday and was advised of a new charge against him. Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa is charged with murdering a police officer, three employees and six customers at the King Soopers on Table Mesa Drive. Now he is also charged with attempted murder, for allegedly firing shots at a second police officer.
In court on Thursday, Alissa appeared in a wheelchair, pushed by a police officer. He was wearing blue scrubs and a while face mask.
During the hearing, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said authorities planned to file more charges once the crime scene investigation is done, likely within next two weeks. He did not elaborate.
A defense attorney immediately asked that he receive a mental health evaluation before the case against him proceeds.
"Our position is we cannot do anything until we are able to fully assess Mr. Alissa's mental illness," public defender Kathryn Herold said, adding that the defense cannot begin that assessment until it receives evidence from investigators.
Alissa, 21, did not get up during the brief hearing. He looked around and seemed alert but did not speak during the brief hearing except to say "yes" to a question from the judge.
Herold provided no details about his health.
The judge said there will be a status hearing in 60-90 days, before the preliminary hearing.
The public defenders left court without saying if they will ask for a competency hearing.
The suspect continues to be held with out bond. Alissa did not enter a plea, that comes later in the judicial process.
Thursday's court appearance was the first time Alissa appeared in public since his arrest Monday inside the King Soopers supermarket. He was last seen handcuffed and being led out of the supermarket by police. He had removed all clothing except his shorts before being taken into custody.
A rifle, a green tactical vest and a handgun were recovered inside the grocery store, according to an arrest affidavit.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
