Parents tried to kill a 17-year-old daughter who rejected an arranged marriage, according to court documents

LACEY, Wash. (KOMO) – Two parents in Washington state are facing charges after several bystanders had to intervene to stop a father from strangling his 17-year-old daughter outside a high school. Authorities believe the incident was a possible attempted “honor killing.”

Josh Wagner was driving with his family near Timberline High School in Lacey on Oct. 18 when he noticed what he thought was a group of children arguing. But when he stepped in to stop the fight, he realized it was a man choking a young girl.

“So, [I] We pulled over to get the kids to stop and realized it was an adult man who had a teenager in a headlock and was subduing him until police arrived,” Wagner said. “It was pretty annoying. I didn't know what was going on, why it was happening. All the kids were screaming and screaming.”

According to court documents, Ihsan Ali choked his 17-year-old daughter “to the point where she lost consciousness” as her boyfriend and other students tried to pull her away. The teen's mother, Zahraa Ali, also grabbed her and choked her, according to court documents.

According to investigators, the teen's father also beat her boyfriend.

Victor Barnes' son was one of the students who tried to break up the confrontation and separate the 17-year-old from her parents.

“He passed out and punched my son in the face,” Barnes said.

The victim eventually escaped and ran into the school, screaming, “My father wanted to kill me.” This led to a lockdown as school staff prevented her parents from getting to her.

Court documents suggest the incident may be related to a possible “honor killing.” The 17-year-old told investigators her father recently threatened her after she refused to travel to another country for an arranged marriage to an older man.

Barnes says the problems with the Alis have been going on for months and a previous incident forced them to seek a temporary protection order against Zahraa Ali. Court records show the mother was also banned from entering the school grounds.

“Many of these stories exist. Many of these stories are out here. Some cannot be heard for some reason. I just want people to know that these stories exist,” Barnes said.

The parents are facing criminal charges including assault and attempted kidnapping. They are scheduled to appear in court next Wednesday.

According to court documents, the victim's school helped place her in a safe place to stay.

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