Trial opens for third teen accused in Halifax mall stabbing
The trial of one of the four teens accused in the stabbing death of another youth last April in Halifax has opened in Nova Scotia youth court. Anna Mancini, the teen’s lawyer, argued in her opening statement that for her client to be convicted of second-degree murder, the Crown must prove that he was aware of, encouraged, or participated in the fatal stabbing of Ahmad Al Marrach. Mancini emphasized that the evidence does not support this and urged Judge Elizabeth Buckle to closely examine video evidence that will be presented later in the trial, showing the positions and actions of each accused leading up to the stabbing.
Ahmad Al Marrach, 16, was fatally stabbed in a parking garage at the Halifax Shopping Centre on the evening of April 22, 2024. The Crown and defense lawyers both acknowledged in their opening statements that there are few factual disputes about the circumstances surrounding Al Marrach’s death. The four teens, three boys, and one girl, were initially charged with second-degree murder. Two of them have since pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and are awaiting sentencing in March.
The agreed statements of fact entered into the record with the guilty pleas outlined the events that transpired at the shopping mall in a brief four-minute encounter. Al Marrach and the teen on trial had a dispute over a girl they were both interested in, leading to a planned fight at the mall. Despite initial text exchanges suggesting a fair fight, it was revealed that the accused teen had orchestrated a one-sided attack by involving others in the confrontation.
The trial of the fourth teen is set to commence next month, with police gathering evidence from security cameras in the parkade and cellphones of witnesses and participants. The girl who pleaded guilty to manslaughter had recorded the entire encounter. The first Crown witness, Det. Const. Shawn Flynn of Halifax Regional Police, testified as the file coordinator overseeing the evidence seized during the investigation.
Flynn identified around 70 exhibits introduced by the Crown, including Al Marrach’s blood-soaked clothing retrieved from the hospital. His clothing, including a hoodie, jeans, and tank top, were carefully preserved between plexiglass sheets to protect them and prevent exposure to dried blood. Al Marrach’s mother, aided by a translator, is present at the hearing.
The Crown is anticipated to present its case over the course of approximately three weeks, with additional dates scheduled in the spring to conclude the trial. The trial serves as a solemn reminder of the tragic consequences of youth violence and the importance of accountability in such incidents.
