Boulder shooting suspect Ahmad Alissa has been moved from his county jail cell because of 'threats to his safety' made by other inmates, it has emerged.
The 21-year-old was transferred from Boulder County Jail to a correctional facility outside the county following the threats, according to Denver’s KKTV.
Alissa, who is suspected of gunning down ten people in the King Soopers supermarket in Boulder, Colorado on Monday, was moved on Wednesday ahead of his Thursday appearance in court.
According to CNN, the suspect was never in direct contact with the inmates who made the threats and was not harmed. Other inmates are said to have asked officers about him and made threats, said Jeff Goetz, Division Chief of the Boulder County Jail.
Alissa appeared in court on Thursday morning to hear the pending charges he faces and his rights as a defendant. He was confined to a wheelchair during the hearing because he was shot in the leg on Monday.
The Syrian native spoke only once during the proceedings - to tell the Judge he understood his rights.
The suspect has been transferred from a Boulder County prison to a correctional facility outside the county following the threats
He faces ten counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, but additional charges are expected to be filed in the next few weeks.
Alissa's attorneys have requested a three-month delay in the trial so they can look into claims the 21-year-old suspect is mentally ill.
Police are still combing the King Soopers supermarket for evidence.
Before his trial, Alissa was last seen handcuffed and being led out of the supermarket by police.
He had removed all clothing except 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.
He faces ten counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, but additional charges are expected to be filed in the next few weeks
Alissa's attorneys have requested a three-month delay to the trial so they can look into claims the 21-year-old suspect was mentally ill
Before his trial, Alissa was last seen handcuffed and being led out of the supermarket by police
He had removed all clothing except shorts before being taken into custody
The victims have been identified as: Denny Strong, 20, Eric Talley, 51, Neven Stanisic, 23, Rikki Olds, 25, Suzanne Fountain, 59, Terri Lieker, 51, Kevin Mahoney, 61, Lynn Murray, 62, Tralona Bartkowiak, 49, and Jodie Waters, 65.
Officials revealed at a press conference Tuesday morning that some of the victims were at the store to get their COVID-19 vaccine.
Tributes have rushed in for the victims, including words from Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone who broke down while reading the names of the ten people killed in a pre-game press conference on Tuesday.
More than 500 people bundled in winter jackets and wool hats attended a downtown candlelight vigil on Wednesday night to mourn the victims and comfort one another
A star-shaped light usually turned on for the holidays glowed on a mountain overlooking the open square and a woman sang 'Ave Maria' for the crowd, moving many to tears
More than 500 people bundled in winter jackets and wool hats attended a downtown candlelight vigil Wednesday night to mourn the victims and comfort one another.
They observed a moment of silence; violins soothed the crowd; and a helicopter clattered overhead as candle flames flickered in the crisp air.
Boulder resident Anna Chesny, 24, sang 'Ave Maria' for the mourning crowd, moving many to tears, USA Today News reported.
A star-shaped light usually turned on for the holidays glowed on a mountain overlooking the open square.
No comments:
Post a Comment