One of four youth charged in Halifax teen’s death sentenced to 27 months

A teenager has been sentenced in connection to a fatal stabbing outside a Halifax mall last year.

It was an emotional day in court Thursday as one of four youths charged in the death of 16-year-old Ahmad Maher Al Marrach was sentenced.

Al Marrach, 16, was fatally stabbed in the parkade at the Halifax Shopping Centre on April 22, 2024.

One of the accused – a girl who was 14 at the time of the incident – was charged with second-degree murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in October 2024.

On Thursday, Judge Mark Heerema accepted joint recommendation of a 27-month sentence for the girl – three of which will be served in custody, while the remaining 24 months will be under supervision in the community.

‘Cowardly attack on the victim’

The girl did not stab Al Marrach but recorded the attack on her phone. Judge Mark Heerema said she also kicked Al Marrach in the head during the altercation.

During Thursday’s sentencing, Heerema called the incident a “cowardly attack on the victim,” adding “it was a trap.”

“It was supposed to be a one-on-one fight over a girl. (The teen) and her three friends unknowingly changed the plan on the victim,” Heerema said.

“They baited him under the guise of this one-on-one fight. Unknown to the victim, the four co-accused decided to arm themselves with knives and turn it into a three-on-one ambush with (the girl) filming the attack on her phone.”

Following the initial ambush, the judge said the victim was able to regain footing, despite being repeatedly punched and kicked in the head.

Heerema says the girl then encouraged her friends to take the victim’s shoes, which resulted in the attack starting again.

Al Marrach was solely fighting the girl’s boyfriend at one point during the altercation and had him restrained, according to Heerema. He said that prompted the girl to “physically intervene,” adding she pushed him to the ground and kicked him in the head repeatedly.

Heerema says Al Marrach was able to regain his footing again, before the girl went for his backpack, causing him to go for the bag to try and protect it.

The judge said the victim was then stabbed in the chest by the girl’s boyfriend. When police and paramedics arrived, Al Marrach was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

During Thursday’s sentencing, the judge addressed the victim’s family saying, “Our society mourns the absolute senseless loss you have suffered. Nothing I can do or say will fill the hole that will exist in your family.”

‘Her actions were instrumental’

While the girl was not the person who physically stabbed Al Marrach, Heerema said “Her actions were instrumental in bringing it about.”

“Without her involvement, it is my belief that it would not have happened,” he said.

The judge also noted the girl had apologized, saying she would take the incident back if she could and she’s not the same person anymore.

“I certainly hope that’s true,” the judge said.

He then asked the girl to keep the crime in mind, detailing some key milestones she may achieve in life that Al Marrach will never be able to.

“When you graduate, he will not. When you get your first car, know that he won’t. When you turn 20, he will not.”

Much of the girl’s background is protected under a publication ban.

In all, four youths were charged with second-degree murder. One has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and another has pleaded guilty to the second-degree charge. The fourth teen is still on trial for second-degree murder, which is expected to resume on April 4 and wrap up in May.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Callum Smith.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page