Police charge 3rd teen with murder in stabbing outside Halifax mall

Halifax police have charged a third teen with second-degree murder in the death ofAhmad Al Marrach, 16, who was stabbed last week in the parking lot of the Halifax Shopping Centre.

Police said Monday that a 16-year-old, who officers had arrested shortly after the killing but later released, had been arrested again.

He appeared in youth court Monday afternoon and will remain in custody until at least his next court appearance on May 13. He was ordered not to have any contact with the two other teens accused in the death.

Last week, a 14-year-old boy and girl were charged with second-degree murder. They remain in custody and are also scheduled to return to court May 13.

Officers were called to the parkade, located on Mumford Road,around 5 p.m. on April 22.Al Marrach died shortly after being rushed to hospital.

About 20 minutes later, two suspects were arrested on a Halifax Transit bus in the area ofNorth Street, including the teen police have now charged.

The identities of the three teens charged with murder are banned from publication as they are youths.

On Sunday, about100 people took part in asombre gathering at Peace and Friendship Park in downtown Halifax. Attendees prayed and shared memories of Al Marrach, who came with his family from Syria to Canada as refugees eight years ago.

Halifax Regional Police Const. John MacLeod did not indicate whether there are further suspects in the case, but said investigators haven't ruled out the possibility of more arrests.

He said in an interview he hopes the threearrests bring"some measure of comfort to the family."