In a deeply unsettling case, a 17-year-old girl in Lacey, Washington, fought for her life after her parents allegedly attempted to carry out an “honor killing” outside her school.
The incident has left the local community shaken and raised serious questions about the safety and support provided to vulnerable teens in such situations.
Parents Charged with Attempted Murder
Ihsan Ali, 44, and his wife, Zahraa Subhi Mohsin Ali, 40, are now facing charges of attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, and assault.
Their daughter had reportedly fled home and sought refuge at Timberline High School after her parents tried to force her into an arranged marriage with an older man in Iraq.
The young girl told authorities that her father had recently threatened her with “honor killing” for resisting the marriage.
On October 18, a horrifying attack unfolded just outside the school gates, with witnesses, including classmates, desperately intervening to save her life.
Video Footage Captures the Attack
Shocking video footage shows Ihsan allegedly pinning his daughter to the ground in a chokehold while she struggled to breathe.
Classmates who rushed to her aid described the terrifying scene.
Despite the immediate outcry, it took months for images of the accused couple to surface, as their social media accounts were swiftly deleted, and local authorities declined to release their mugshots due to state privacy laws.
A History of Abuse and Escalation
Court documents detail a chilling narrative of abuse.
The girl revealed that her father’s rage was triggered when he discovered she was dating a fellow student—a 16-year-old American boy.
After learning about the relationship, Ihsan reportedly smashed her phone, withdrew her from school, and attempted to arrange her departure to Iraq.
When she escaped and sought help at Timberline High School, Ihsan and Zahraa tracked her down. The attack escalated to a terrifying degree, with Zahraa allegedly joining in and trying to choke her daughter as well.
Community Members Step In
Brave classmates and passersby intervened, including the girl’s boyfriend, who was injured while trying to save her.
He sustained a fractured hand during the scuffle but managed to subdue Ihsan along with other students.
Meanwhile, Zahraa reportedly continued to pursue her daughter inside the school, prompting staff to put the campus on lockdown.
Desperate Attempts to Evade Arrest
In the days following the attack, Zahraa reportedly attempted to flee the country, driving her younger children to Canada and leaving them with relatives before returning to Washington.
She was apprehended at the border four days after the incident.
Ihsan was arrested at the scene but initially released on bail.
His charges were later upgraded to include second-degree attempted murder, leading to his re-arrest.
Both parents remain in custody, with Zahraa held on $500,000 bail and Ihsan on $1 million.
A Plea for Justice and Support
The girl’s boyfriend’s father, Victor Barnes, has spoken out about the ordeal, highlighting the lack of adequate intervention by the school and authorities.
He expressed frustration over how his son was thrust into a dangerous situation, left to protect the girl without proper adult oversight or safety measures.
“My son is trying to hold it together, but this has been deeply traumatizing for him,” Barnes shared, recalling the horrific moment when his son watched the girl lose consciousness during the attack.
Calls for Better Safeguards
This tragic case raises important questions about how schools and law enforcement handle threats to student safety, particularly in cases involving cultural or familial violence.
As the legal proceedings against Ihsan and Zahraa unfold, advocates are urging for greater awareness and stronger protective measures for victims of honor-based violence.
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