Aurora, Colo. — The attorney for Austin Benson, the man accused of a series of shootings that injured three people in Aurora in June, told a judge on Monday that he may not be mentally competent to stand trial.
Benson, 35, faces four counts of attempted murder and a total of 23 separate charges after a random shooting spree on June 27, 2023, left three individuals seriously injured. During a court hearing, Benson’s defense attorney, public defender David Kaplan, informed Arapahoe County District Judge James Quinn that he planned to raise the issue of Benson’s competency to stand trial.
In legal terms, competency means that a defendant can understand the proceedings and assist in their defense. Judge Quinn granted Kaplan until December 13 to file a motion for a competency evaluation, which could delay the trial if granted.
This is not Benson’s first encounter with the legal system over similar charges. In 2018, he was accused of randomly shooting at people along a rural road in Douglas County, Colorado. He faced attempted murder charges in that case, which was dismissed after five years when multiple doctors concluded that Benson was not competent to stand trial.
The latest shooting incident in Aurora involved a spree of gunfire that left three victims seriously wounded. One of the victims, Aryn Johnson, remains paralyzed five months later. Her mother, Sue Johnson, expressed frustration with the slow pace of the legal proceedings. “I was hoping that there would be a different outcome and we can get closer to a trial date,” said Sue Johnson.
Aryn Johnson is currently undergoing rehabilitation and using a wheelchair, while the other two victims are recovering but continue to face long-term health consequences.
Benson is currently being held without bail and faces numerous charges, including four counts of attempted first-degree murder, six counts of first-degree assault, and other firearm-related offenses. Prosecutors have also filed four counts of committing a violent crime, which would enhance sentencing if convicted.
Benson’s criminal history includes an incident on July 2, 2018, in which he allegedly shot at and threatened multiple people along Rampart Range Road in Douglas County. The situation ended when a retired police officer, who was camping with his wife, shot Benson in self-defense. In that case, Benson faced numerous felony charges, but the case was dismissed after doctors determined he could not be restored to competency.
Benson’s ongoing legal challenges have left his victims and their families frustrated. In response to the life-changing injuries sustained by Aryn Johnson, her family has started a fund to help with medical expenses.
