Iraqi father sentenced in Washington attempted 'honor killing' case to 20 months, mother to 1 year

The Iraqi parents accused of attempting an “honor killing” of their teenage daughter outside Timberline High School in Lacey, Washington, last fall were sentenced Monday, months after a jury acquitted them of attempted murder but convicted them on lesser charges. The husband, who was seen on camera appearing to strangle his daughter at the time, was only sentenced to 20 months in prison.

Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Schaller handed down the maximum penalties allowed for the convictions. Ihsan Ali, the father, was sentenced to roughly 20 months in prison for second-degree assault, unlawful imprisonment, and fourth-degree assault. He must also undergo a domestic violence evaluation, complete a parenting class, and is barred from contacting his daughter for 10 years and her boyfriend for two years.

His wife, Zahraa Ali, received 364 days for violating a court order, with 83 days suspended. She, too, is prohibited from contacting her daughter’s boyfriend for two years. Mrs. Ali had previously been barred from school grounds and ordered not to contact the teen’s boyfriend following a separate incident.

The couple had originally faced attempted murder charges, but after three days of jury deliberations earlier this month, both were acquitted on that count. Mr. Ali was convicted of assault and unlawful imprisonment; Mrs. Ali was found guilty only of violating a court order.

In a powerful statement delivered in court, the teenage victim confronted her father directly. "You think I’m a disgusting human being, well I think you’re a disgusting monster," she said. "My dad tried to kill me with his own hands, do you have no love for me? I know you were smiling when you choked me. I’m going to pray for you to stay in jail and die."

She also criticized her mother for failing to intervene. Mrs. Ali cried as her daughter spoke. Outside the courtroom, the teen told KOMO News she was relieved to be free of her family. “I’m glad I’m here. I’m still alive. I’m doing things that I’m moving on, but it’s hard to really let go from this family.”

The teen’s boyfriend, who was punched during the attack, submitted a statement describing ongoing depression, anxiety, and trauma caused by the assault.

While prosecutors initially cited possible “honor killing” motives, Judge Schaller did not allow the prosecution to enter into evidence that the underage girl’s Muslim parents allegedly told her she was going to be married off to an older Muslim man in their home country before the choking attack, claiming that the backstory would be too prejudicial to the two defendants.

Judge Schaller condemned Mr. Ali’s actions, rejecting his claims of self-defense. "You were not going to let her go, and you were not going to let her breathe," she said. "Children are not property to do with as a parent desires."

Turning to the victim, the judge added, “Always know, despite what has happened, you get to define who you are. You have power, and you have strength, and no one can take that away from you.”

The violent confrontation unfolded on the morning of October 18, 2024, when the parents confronted their daughter near a bus stop outside Timberline High School. Prosecutors alleged the girl had fled home after refusing to travel to Iraq for an arranged marriage to an older man.

Multiple witnesses testified that Mr. Ali put his daughter in a chokehold, shouting, “It’s not right… you are not supposed to do this,” as she lost consciousness. Students and adult bystanders intervened, with a school bus driver pulling Mr. Ali’s arms off the girl as she appeared to be lifeless.

The girl later ran into the school screaming, “My dad just tried to kill me.”