Article contentThe Lower Sackville boy, who was dating the girl, then plunged a knife into Ahmad’s chest.Article contentHeerema said the teen who was sentenced Friday did not know that the other boy intended to stab Ahmad.Article content“However, he did know that as a result of this group assault, there was a risk of serious bodily harm,” the judge said.Article contentAs the victim lay on the parkade floor, the Halifax boy and his Dartmouth friend stayed on the scene for a short time before walking away.Article contentThe judge said the Halifax teen “calmly and casually” sauntered away without attempting to help the victim, with no panic or concern visible on his face.Article content“This image of (him) walking away in many ways captures how cold and callous his actions were that day,” Heerema said.Article content“I must say, sir, that if you ever find, in a true time of need in your life, if you’re ever staring down your own death or an ‘I’m gonna die’ situation, I certainly hope that you find in the faces of those that surround you in that moment the exact opposite of what you displayed that day,” the judge said.Article contentArticle content“I hope you find concern, help and compassion, rather than indifference.”Article contentArticle content Ahmad Maher Al Marrach, 16, died April 22, 2024, after he was stabbed during an altercation with four youths in a parking garage at Halifax Shopping Centre. Photo by FacebookArticle contentThe judge acknowledged the tremendous loss suffered by Ahmad’s family.Article content“I’m painfully aware of how cherished he was as a son and brother,” he said of the victim, who was a student at Citadel High School in Halifax. “He was a thoughtful, caring and contributing member of his family.Article content“I’m very sorry for them. The deep-down injustice that exists of having your child murdered can never be remedied, fixed or accounted for in the criminal courts.”Article contentHeerema said the offender left home at the age of 15, after his girlfriend became pregnant, and was in the care of the Department of Community Services at the time of the killing. He was entrenched in a criminal lifestyle, the judge said, and had two convictions for robbery and others for break and enter, assault with a weapon, mischief and breaching release conditions.Article contentArticle contentAssessments prepared for the court said the teen poses a high risk to reoffend both generally and violently, has been diagnosed with various disorders and requires 200 hours of intensive therapy. Experts recommended he serve at least 10 more months in custody to start the therapy before he is released into the community.Article contentOne report said the teen’s regrets for his actions is limited to the consequences he experienced as a result of being held in custody. It said he candidly shared that he did not regret going to the parkade to fight Ahmad and that the stabbing was not his fault.Article contentBut in court last month, the teen told Ahmad’s family he was sorry for what happened and for his role in the incident. He said he never intended for Ahmad to die but takes responsibility for his actions.Article contentThe young man said he would accept his punishment and seek any support that is available so he can better himself and lead a positive life. He had earlier been opposed to taking part in any therapy or treatment.
‘A profound lack of humanity’: Teen gets 27-month sentence for role in Halifax parkade killing
