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09_18_24_headlines Alexis Kenyon
Family testifies in Boulder King Soopers shooting trial
Family members of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa testified Tuesday in his trial, shedding light on his mental health struggles leading up to the March 2021 King Soopers mass shooting, which left ten dead. His father, Moustafa Alissa, described his son’s growing isolation and paranoia, attributing his behavior to possible spirit possession, and said the cultural stigma around mental health care prevented him from seeking help, according to the Daily Camera.
Alissa’s sister, Aziza Alissa, testified that her brother’s condition worsened after contracting COVID-19 in November 2020, causing him to become more withdrawn and delusional. She shared how he struggled at the family restaurant, often burning food and expressing fears of being followed. His brother, Mohammad Alissa, detailed how Ahmad neglected hygiene, gained weight, and seemed increasingly disconnected, even showing little reaction to pain.
Dr. Patricia Westmoreland, Alissa’s doctor, testified that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, explaining that untreated psychosis likely worsened his condition and contributed to his erratic behavior.
Prosecutors questioned why the family did not intervene, despite witnessing his mental decline in the months before the shooting. The family’s testimony follows last week’s accounts from law enforcement and survivors. This week, the defense aims to prove that Alissa’s severe mental illness supports his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, with expert witnesses expected to testify next.
Aurora tenants and city sue CBZ Management for neglect
Aurora tenants and city officials have sued CBZ Management, accusing the company of neglecting its Denver and Aurora apartment complexes for years. The lawsuit follows numerous complaints of unsafe and unhealthy living conditions, including black mold, water leaks, broken appliances, infestations, and poor building security.
CBZ Management gained national attention recently after blaming the issues on the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, claiming gang members had taken over the buildings, collected rent, and threatened staff. However, tenants and city records reveal these problems existed long before any gang involvement.
Aurora officials have minimized the gang’s role, noting that police have already arrested eight of the ten suspected gang members. The situation garnered national attention after former President Donald Trump incorrectly referenced it during a debate and rally.
Tenants have long described unsafe conditions, including lack of heat, broken appliances, and mold. Some reported serious health issues, including asthma attacks, due to the poor living environment. As the lawsuit progresses, tenants and officials are seeking accountability from CBZ Management for years of violations. City inspectors continue to monitor the company’s other properties for further issues.
Denver plans changes to asylum-seeker program for Venezuelan migrants in 2025
Denver will make significant changes to its Asylum Seeker Program (DASP), which assists Venezuelan migrants with housing, food, and job training as they await federal asylum and work permits.
On Monday, the City Council approved a $6 million contract with the nonprofit Haven of Hope to continue providing food, clothing, and other services through July 2025. However, the city will stop accepting new participants after the current group completes the program, signaling a shift in its support for migrants. Mayor Mike Johnston’s 2025 budget reduces funding for migrant support from $90 million this year to $12.5 million.
City officials claim the demand for the program has decreased as fewer migrants arrive in Denver. Critics, however, worry that cutting funds will leave many migrants without necessary aid, potentially increasing homelessness. Councilwoman Shontel Lewis, who voted against the $6 million contract, argued that migrants should receive direct financial assistance to purchase what they need instead of being given food.
City officials say the new plan reflects changing migrant needs, with the number of new arrivals dropping from nearly a thousand per day at the peak in December 2022 to just a few per week.
Colorado GOP leadership fight heads to trial in October
The Colorado Republican Party’s internal leadership battle will go to trial in mid-October after months of chaos. In August, tensions escalated when two factions held separate votes to remove chairman Dave Williams. One group voted to replace him with former Olympian and U.S. Senate candidate Eli Bremer, while the other voted to retain Williams.
Williams, criticized for his anti-LGBTQ+ messaging and for using party resources for his failed Congressional run, refuses to step down or relinquish control of party headquarters. Bremer filed a lawsuit to resolve the dispute, with the trial scheduled for October 14 in El Paso County District Court.
This conflict highlights deeper divisions within the Colorado GOP, as members push back against Williams’ leadership. The trial will determine who takes control as the party works to move forward before the next election cycle.
