Boulder Justice Center on Oct. 13, 2021. Credit: Anthony Albidrez

Boulder Reporting Lab is providing daily updates from the courtroom. Updates from the first week of the trial are here. Week 2 is here. Week 4 is here.

Last updated 3:00 p.m. on Sept. 15, 2024.

What to know from Week 3 (Sept. 9-13, 2024):

  • Starting the week of Sept. 16, the defense will present its witnesses, including Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa’s family. The trial is expected to conclude by the end of that week.
  • The defense argues that Alissa was insane, while the prosecution asserts he understood commands when surrendering; the jury will decide his mental state.
  • The jury saw the full footage of Alissa’s assault for the first time, including the attack from his first victim to his surrender.
  • Emotional testimonies and Officer Eric Talley’s bodycam footage showcased the bravery and trauma of responders and survivors.
  • Christopher Tatum testified he re-entered King Soopers four times to rescue others during Alissa’s rampage.
  • Sara Chen recalled hearing the shooter repeatedly yell, “This is so much fun,” making her believe the shooting was a source of enjoyment for him.
  • An FBI search of Alissa’s home uncovered a stockpile of weapons. After three years, investigators unlocked his phone, revealing obsessive weapons research.

Jenna Sampson is a freelance journalist in Boulder, Colorado. When not dabbling in boat building or rock climbing you can find her nursing an iced coffee in front of a good book. Email: jsampson@fastmail.com.

Leave a comment

Boulder Reporting Lab comments policy
All comments require an editor's review. BRL reserves the right to delete or turn off comments at any time. Please read our comments policy before commenting.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *