Father of Colorado Supermarket Shooter Believed Son Was Possessed Before Attack

Moustafa Alissa testifies about his son's mental state, citing cultural beliefs and schizophrenia diagnosis.

Moustafa Alissa testified that he thought his son, Ahmad Alissa, was possessed by an evil spirit before the 2021 Boulder supermarket shooting.
Ahmad Alissa, diagnosed with severe schizophrenia post-attack, was deemed competent for trial only after strong antipsychotic medication.
The defense argues Ahmad was legally insane during the shooting, unable to distinguish right from wrong.
Prosecutors contend Ahmad planned the attack and understood its wrongfulness, despite his mental illness.
Cultural stigma prevented the Alissa family from seeking earlier treatment for Ahmad's mental health issues.