Attempted Honor Killing Shakes Lacey Community
A tragic and deeply disturbing incident has shaken the community of Lacey, Washington. A father and mother have been charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and assault after they allegedly attacked their teenage daughter outside her high school in what the victim described as an attempted honor killing.
The chilling attack unfolded on October 18, near Timberline High School, where the teenage girl was reportedly trying to escape her family’s clutches. Prosecutors allege that her parents, Ihsan Ali and Zahraa Subhi Mohsin Ali, had been planning to send her to Iraq to marry an older man against her will. When their daughter resisted, events spiraled into violence.
The Alleged Attack
According to witness statements and court documents, the girl had run away from home earlier that day and sought refuge at her high school. She was trying to get to a shelter for safety, accompanied by her boyfriend. However, her parents were reportedly searching for her and found her near a school bus stop.
Victor Barnes, the father of the girl’s boyfriend, described the harrowing scene, much of which was captured on cell phone video by a witness. In the footage, Ihsan Ali can allegedly be seen choking his daughter under a tree, her face pressed into the dirt.
"There’s dad. There’s the daughter underneath dad," said Barnes, recalling the footage now in police custody. "That’s my son fighting for the girl’s life."
As Ihsan continued to choke his daughter, her boyfriend intervened, attempting to pull him off. According to Barnes, his son described seeing the girl’s arms go limp and her eyes rolling back. “Her arms start flailing, and that’s when he sprung into action,” said Barnes. “He didn’t want to see someone he cared about pass away.”
The violent confrontation escalated further when Zahraa Ali, the girl’s mother, allegedly joined the assault. Witnesses say she began attacking her daughter in a similar manner after the father loosened his grip. Barnes’ son reportedly managed to pull the girl away and the two ran to Timberline High School for help, prompting a lockdown.
An adult bystander stepped in to restrain Ihsan until police arrived. Both parents were arrested at the scene.
A History of Abuse
Court documents reveal a troubling history of alleged abuse within the family. The teen told investigators that her parents had threatened to kill her and had been planning to force her onto a flight to Iraq for a marriage she did not want.
Barnes said the girl had been living in fear and had sought help multiple times before this incident. “Earlier in the day, she was supposed to be flown out of the country. She ran to the school. She was afraid,” he explained.
The girl’s desperation to escape appears to have reached a breaking point on the day of the attack. Witnesses reported that when her father spotted her near the bus stop, he shouted at her in Arabic. Another student who understood the language reportedly stepped in, telling the father, “She doesn’t want to go back with you. Leave her alone.” At that point, according to witnesses, Ihsan snapped and began assaulting his daughter.
The Boyfriend’s Role
The girl’s boyfriend, who was also injured in the attack, has been hailed as a hero for his quick actions. Witnesses say he was punched by Ihsan and thrown to the ground during the altercation. Despite this, he continued to fight to save the girl.
"My son didn’t deserve this," said Barnes. "High school is supposed to be a time for making memories, not something like this."
Barnes also expressed frustration with the school, which he said had been aware of the girl’s situation. He questioned why school staff hadn’t taken more precautions to ensure her safety, especially knowing she was trying to reach a shelter. “I’m glad my son was there to save her life, but I need more explanation about why the adults were so careless,” he said.
Aftermath and Legal Actions
The aftermath of the attack has left the community reeling. Timberline High School went into lockdown as a precautionary measure, and the girl’s parents remain in custody facing serious charges.
A restraining order has been issued against the parents, not only for their assault on the girl and her boyfriend but also because Zahraa Ali allegedly continued to show up at Barnes’ home looking for her daughter even after the assault.
Barnes said his family has been traumatized by the events, but their priority remains the girl’s safety and recovery. “This is something no child should ever have to go through,” he said.
Lacey parents accused of trying to kidnap daughter for refusing arranged marriage https://t.co/BOivXRnjka
— KIRO 7 (@KIRO7Seattle) November 14, 2024
A Community in Shock
The case has sparked widespread outrage and disbelief in the Lacey community. Advocates for victims of domestic violence and honor-based abuse have emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs and taking swift action to protect those at risk.
“This case is a stark reminder that cultural norms or familial expectations should never justify violence,” said one advocate. “It’s critical that we support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.”
As the investigation continues, the teen is reportedly in a safe location and receiving support. Her story serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those who challenge oppressive family dynamics and cultural expectations.
Questions Remain
While the immediate danger to the girl has been addressed, questions linger about how such a situation was allowed to escalate. Could more have been done by school staff or authorities to protect her?
For now, the focus remains on ensuring her recovery and seeking justice. The story of her bravery—and the heroism of those who stepped in to save her—will not soon be forgotten.