Nova Scotia

Teen pleads guilty to second-degree murder in Halifax mall stabbing case

A tragic incident that occurred last spring outside a Halifax shopping mall has taken a new turn as one of the four teenagers accused of killing Ahmad Al Marrach has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Ahmad Al Marrach, a 16-year-old, was stabbed in a parking garage at the Halifax Shopping Centre on April 22, 2024, and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

The accused, who was only 14 at the time of the attack, was scheduled to go on trial beginning February 23. However, in a surprising development, he appeared in Nova Scotia youth court on Friday morning and changed his plea to guilty. This unexpected plea has brought a new twist to the case that has shocked the community and left many mourning the loss of a young life.

Two of the other accused teenagers have already pleaded guilty to manslaughter and are currently undergoing a lengthy sentencing process. The third accused is currently in the middle of a trial on a charge of second-degree murder. The identities of all four teenagers involved in the case are protected by a publication ban.

Evidence from the prior guilty pleas and the ongoing trial had pointed to the fourth teen as the one who actually stabbed Ahmad Al Marrach. As part of a plea agreement, the Crown has agreed to no longer seek an adult sentence for the accused. His sentencing has been scheduled for June 9, where the final judgment on this tragic case will be delivered.

This heartbreaking incident has brought to light the devastating consequences of youth violence and the importance of addressing underlying issues that may lead to such senseless acts. The community continues to mourn the loss of Ahmad Al Marrach and seeks justice for his untimely death.

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Blair Rhodes, a seasoned journalist with over 40 years of experience, has been following this case closely, with a primary focus on stories of crime and public safety. For any tips or information related to this case, he can be reached at blair.rhodes@cbc.ca.

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