King Soopers mass shooting suspect’s attorneys ask for new judge

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Defense attorneys for the Boulder King Soopers shooting suspect are asking for a new judge after a motion claims the judge isn’t impartial to the case.

On July 12, defense attorneys for suspect Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa filed an order to recuse Judge Ingrid Bakke, providing evidence in the motion where the attorneys believe Bakke has a “probability of actual bias” that affects the suspect’s right to a fair trial.

“Since the beginning of this case, she has been pushing to move the case along,” the motion stated.

This motion comes after the defense’s request to move the trial was denied. The district attorney’s office, which is arguing for the state, must respond to the motion no later than July 26.

Gunman opened fire at King Soopers, killing 10

Ten people died when the gunman opened fire inside and outside the store in south Boulder in March 2021.

Alissa was identified as the suspect and pled not guilty to the shooting by reason of insanity. State experts have since found the suspect had untreated mental illness but was legally sane at the time of the attack.

The suspect’s mental health has been an ongoing issue in the case and has pushed back proceedings by more than two years.

The trial for Alissa is scheduled to start in September and is expected to last three weeks. Jury selection begins on Sept. 2.

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