Third teen charged in killing
A third teenager has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Ahmad Maher Al Marrach, 16, last week.
A 16-year-old from Halifax was arrested Monday, according to Halifax Regional Police. The boy had already been arrested shortly after Al Marrach was fatally stabbed in a parkade at the Halifax Shopping Centre on April 22, but was later released.
A 14-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl have also been charged with second-degree murder and made their first appearance in Halifax youth court Friday.
The boy who was arrested Monday also appeared in Halifax youth court.
Prosecutor Terry Nickerson informed the court that if the boy is convicted, the Crown may seek to have him sentenced as an adult. Nickerson gave similar notice for the two younger teens at their first court appearance Friday.
The Crown was opposed to the 16-year-old's release. Judge Bronwyn Duffy remanded him to the Nova Scotia Youth Centre in Waterville until May 13, when all three accused are due back in court for a bail hearing.
At the request of the Crown, the judge ordered the boy to have no contact with the two 14-year-olds and another boy.
Police and the Crown prosecutor have also had to contend with sensitive information about the case circulating online. Last week, Nickerson said legislation under Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits the sharing of personal information concerning people charged, or witnesses under the age of 18.
“Their names or personal information should not be discussed on social media,” Nickerson said at the time.
“They are potentially breaking the law by doing so.”
People angry about Ahmad’s death have already posted the names and photos of the accused.
Ahmad’s family came to Canada from Syria eight years ago. A wake and funeral prayer were held Wednesday at Kearney Lake Masjid in Bedford, followed by burial at the Muslim Cemetery in Upper Hammonds Plains.
A Gofundme account set up for the Al Marrach family had raised more than $63,000 as of 4:50 p.m. Monday.