Sentencing opens for girl accused in killing of Ahmad Al Marrach
The sentencing process has commenced for one of the teenagers involved in the tragic killing of Ahmad Al Marrach in Halifax last April. Al Marrach lost his life after being stabbed during an altercation in a parking garage at the Halifax Shopping Centre, succumbing to his injuries later in the hospital.
Initially charged with second-degree murder, a 14-year-old girl involved in the incident has since pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Alongside a co-accused who also pleaded guilty to manslaughter, the sentencing process has already begun for the girl. During a one-day hearing in January, members of Al Marrach’s family shared the impact of his loss on their lives.
In a recent hearing at Nova Scotia youth court, the focus was on developing a treatment plan for the girl, which includes input from psychologists and other professionals. Due to the sensitive nature of her mental health details within the plan, a publication ban restricts what can be disclosed to the public.
Throughout the hearing, the girl sat alongside her lawyer, Brandon Rolle, displaying signs of nervousness by chewing her nails and frequently glancing back at her mother in the gallery. Engaging with her legal counsel, she took notes and actively participated in discussions regarding her case.
Psychologist Ainslie McDougall from the IWK Health Centre was the first witness to testify, providing insights into the intensive rehabilitation the girl will require, estimating around 200 hours. However, McDougall acknowledged the limitations of research in this area, primarily focused on adult male offenders.
Judge Mark Heerema holds the responsibility of finalizing the treatment plan and determining the appropriate sentence for the girl. The proceedings are set to continue later this month with another full day in court.
In addition to the current developments, two other teenagers are also facing charges related to the incident, with one in the midst of a trial for second-degree murder and another awaiting sentencing in June after pleading guilty to the same charge. The identities of all four individuals remain protected by a publication ban.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community continues to grapple with the tragic loss of Ahmad Al Marrach and seeks closure through the pursuit of justice for his untimely passing.
