Teen testifies he tried to steer friend away from fatal confrontation outside Halifax mall

A tragic incident unfolded at the Halifax Shopping Centre last spring, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Ahmad Al Marrach. The young boy, who arrived in Canada as a refugee in 2016, was stabbed in a parking garage following a prearranged fight. Four teenagers were initially charged with second-degree murder, but two have since pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

During the trial of one of the remaining teens accused in Al Marrach’s death, a close friend testified about his efforts to dissuade the victim from participating in the fatal altercation. The friend, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, recounted receiving a text from Al Marrach about the impending fight and trying to convince him to avoid it by going to a mosque to pray instead. Despite his friend’s advice, Al Marrach insisted on going through with the confrontation.

Reports suggest that the fight may have stemmed from a dispute over a girl both Al Marrach and the accused teen were interested in, or possibly due to derogatory comments made about Al Marrach’s family by one of the other accused individuals. The witness, along with other friends, rushed to the scene upon learning that the fight had begun, only to be confronted by two teens wielding knives.

As the situation escalated, with one of the accused kicking Al Marrach while he grappled with his attacker, threats were uttered, warning against interference. Subsequent cross-examination revealed discrepancies in the witness’s initial account, as he backtracked on claims of specific threats made by the teen on trial, attributing them instead to the other knife-wielding individual who has also pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Following the fatal stabbing, chaos ensued, prompting the witness to seek refuge on a bus where he unexpectedly encountered two of the accused. Concerned for his safety, he sought the aid of a transit supervisor who advised him to contact the police, leading to the apprehension of the suspects on the bus. The witness admitted to difficulty in distinguishing between firsthand observations and information gleaned from social media discussions post-incident.

With the trial ongoing, the fourth teen involved in the case is set to face justice in the coming months. The tragic loss of Ahmad Al Marrach serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of violence and the profound impact it can have on families and communities.