Halifax mall murder: Victim’s friend testifies at trial [Video]

A second-degree murder trial in the death of Ahmad Al Marrach heard from one of the victim’s friends Wednesday.

The witness, whose identity is protected by publication ban, said through a translator that he was friends with Al Marrach and was with him during the attack outside the Halifax Shopping Centre on April 22, 2024.

The identity of the accused in this case, a 17-year-old boy, is also protected by a publication ban under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He’s charged with second-degree murder. His lawyers said the Crown does not have the evidence to prove her client planned, encouraged or participated in the fatal stabbing.

Two other youths have already pleaded guilty to manslaughter, while another youth, the alleged killer, is set to stand trial next month.

The witness told the judge-alone trial that he and some friends were at Tim Horton’s on Mumford Road before three of them …