Bystander describes attack at trial of teen accused in Halifax mall stabbing

A brave woman who intervened to stop the fatal attack on 16-year-old Ahmad Al Marrach is providing crucial testimony at the trial of one of the four teenagers accused of killing him outside a Halifax mall last spring.

Melanie Adolph recounted the harrowing event that unfolded on the afternoon of April 22, 2024, at the Halifax Shopping Centre. Adolph, who was shopping with her two children, noticed a commotion in the parkade as she returned to her car. She quickly put her children in the car and approached the crowd to investigate.

To her horror, Adolph witnessed a group of teens viciously attacking a boy who was lying on the ground. She saw a girl stomping on his head, leading her to fear the worst. Despite the danger, Adolph bravely shouted at the attackers to scatter, causing a momentary pause in the violence. Al Marrach managed to get to his feet, but the respite was short-lived.

Adolph watched in horror as one of the boys pulled out a kitchen knife, raised it above his head, and plunged it into Al Marrach’s chest. The fatal blow tragically claimed the young boy’s life, leading to his death in the hospital later that evening.

During the trial, Adolph’s testimony shed light on the chaotic scene that unfolded that day. She recalled asking bystanders if anyone had called 911 and taking matters into her own hands when she received no clear answer. Despite her efforts to stop the bleeding and seek help, many adults walked past the scene, unwilling to intervene.

As Adolph grappled with the gravity of the situation, she described the bystanders’ reactions as a mix of confusion and distress. Time seemed to stand still as she tried to make sense of the senseless violence unfolding before her eyes. Her courageous actions in the face of danger lasted approximately five minutes, but the impact of that fateful day would be everlasting.

The trial also heard from Const. Leigh Pike, one of the first responders on the scene. Pike recounted arriving at the parkade and finding Al Marrach lying on the ground. With no ambulance immediately available and the parkade’s low ceiling preventing access, Pike and his fellow officers made the decision to transport the injured boy to the hospital in a police vehicle.

Despite their efforts, an ambulance arrived just in time to take Al Marrach to the hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead. Pike’s testimony highlighted the urgency of the situation and the challenges faced in providing timely medical assistance to the victim.

As the trial unfolds, Adolph’s bravery and quick thinking serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up against violence and injustice, even in the face of great danger. The quest for justice for Ahmad Al Marrach continues, as the court seeks to hold those responsible for his untimely death accountable for their actions.