Jury selection begins in trial of suspected Boulder King Soopers shooter

BOULDER, Colorado – The jury selection process began Monday in the trial of the suspected Boulder King Soopers shooter.

Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa was arrested the same day he allegedly shot and killed 10 people, including a Boulder police officer, both inside the King Soopers supermarket and outside the supermarket at 3600 Table Mesa Drive. He suffers from schizophrenia and his case was dismissed.

Alissa was found competent to stand trial in August 2023 and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity three months later.

Hundreds of Boulder County jurors were called to court Monday to fill out questionnaires and begin jury selection. The defense had initially requested that the case be tried elsewhere, saying the case's increased publicity had affected the ability to find unbiased jury candidates. A judge denied the request.

“It's going to be a real challenge to find jurors who have never heard of the case or who don't know anyone who was affected by this incident. A big challenge,” said Ryan Brackley, a criminal defense attorney who has followed the case.

Brackley said those selected for the jury would see harrowing photographs and hear heartbreaking testimony during the trial.

“Prosecutors are looking for jurors who can withstand the emotional aspect of this special trial,” he said.

Brackley said defense attorneys would likely discuss Alissa's confession and its significance during the selection process.

“In this case, as far as we know, there will be a sanity defense. We'll want to know what people think about the insanity,” Brackley said. “Do people think it's legitimate, that it's real?”

The jury is expected to hold its meetings until September 4.