The father of a man accused of killing 10 people at a Colorado supermarket testified at his murder trial, shedding light on his son's mental state leading up to the tragic event.
Before the 2021 attack in Boulder, the father recalled instances where his son exhibited concerning behavior. He mentioned waking up to his son claiming there was a man in his room, only to find no one there. The father also noted his son talking to himself and breaking a car key fob out of fear it was being used to track him.
Describing his son as possibly being possessed by an evil spirit, the father shared insights from his native Syria where such behavior is believed to be linked to possession by a djin.
Following the shooting, the accused was diagnosed with severe schizophrenia and was deemed mentally competent for trial after receiving strong antipsychotic medication. While the defense argues for a not guilty plea by reason of insanity, prosecutors and forensic psychologists maintain that the accused knew the nature of his actions due to the planning and research involved.
Despite concerns about his son's mental state, the father admitted to not seeking treatment due to cultural stigma and the fear of having a 'crazy son.' He also acknowledged his son's access to firearms and activities at a shooting range, raising questions about the severity of his condition.
While the father acknowledged his son's abnormal behavior, he expressed shock at the extent of the tragedy, stating that they did not anticipate his actions.
