14-year-olds accused of murdering Halifax teen make first court appearances

Two 14-year-olds accused in the stabbing death of a fellow teenager in Halifax made their first appearances Friday morning in Nova Scotia youth court.

The pair, a boy and a girl, each face a charge of second-degree murder in Ahmad Al Marrach's death.

The 16-year-old victim was found wounded in a parking lot at the Halifax Shopping Centre early Monday evening and died later in hospital.

The two accused were brought into court separately Friday. Through their legal aid lawyer, they agreed to remain in custody until they return to court in two weeks.

Neither teen can be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Crown prosecutor Terry Nickerson served notice that if the two are convicted, he will seek to have them sentenced as adults, meaning they could face a harsher penalty than allowed under the youth act.

There was an increased police presence at the courthouse in downtown Halifax, but the appearances went quickly and quietly.

Shortly after their appearances, Halifax Regional Police issued a news release to caution people against identifying the accused in social media posts.

"That constitutes publication and may be grounds for a charge of breaching the publication ban provisions of the [Youth Criminal Justice Act]," the release said.

"We would also like to remind the public that the investigation of the incident is ongoing and that sharing or publishing of images has the potential to negatively impact the investigation."

Victim's family releases statement

Al Marrach was buried following a ceremony at a Halifax mosque on Wednesday.

His family released a statement Friday expressing gratitude for the support they've received in the past week, and requesting privacy.

"The loss of our teenage son Ahmad ... has left an indelible void in our lives and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him," said the statement.