Trial for Alleged Attempted Honor Killing Begins

A trial is set to start on Monday for a father and mother from Washington, accused of attempting to kill their 17-year-old daughter in October 2024.

Isan Ali, 44, and his 40-year-old wife, Zahura Ali, are facing multiple charges in Thurston County. These include a second attempted murder, multiple attempted lures, and a second domestic violence assault, among others.

Isan Ali has also been charged with several counts related to assault, while Zahura is accused of breaching a domestic violence protection order and a second-degree robbery.

Witness statements referenced in court documents suggest that the attack on their daughter on October 18, 2024, might have been an “honor killing.”

The victim reported that earlier that day, her father had urged her to escape, as he intended to send her out of the country. She attends Timberline High School in Lacey County, where she felt she could find support from adults. However, her family allegedly confined her at the school.

The girl mentioned that she assisted the school counselor in locating a “safe haven” room, planning to reach it from school. While waiting for a city bus, her father confronted her, insisting she return home. He reportedly did not accept her refusal and began to pull her shirt. According to the affidavit, he placed her in a chokehold that left her struggling to breathe.

Recently obtained video footage, reported by Daily Mail, shows part of the incident occurring at public bus stops.

Fox News Digital attempted to contact Isan Ali’s attorney Erik Kaeding for a statement.

Witnesses described how, during the altercation, the victim’s 16-year-old boyfriend intervened, but the father allegedly punched him. The affidavit indicated that multiple witnesses saw the daughter’s eyes roll back as her father reportedly suffocated her.

Comments made by the boyfriend’s mother to police revealed that during a previous CPS interview, the victim had expressed fears of an honor killing from her father due to her refusal to enter into an arranged marriage with an older man from abroad.

The boyfriend conveyed his belief that the victim was in grave danger, fearing she could die if her father continued to choke her. The victim recounted how her father pushed her mother and sister away when they attempted to intervene, saying, “I thought she was going to die.”

As the struggle continued, bystanders noticed Isan Ali placing the girl in a chokehold, stating he wouldn’t let go.

Victor Burns, the boyfriend’s father, earlier expressed his relief that his son was safe and highlighted the need for adult supervision at the bus stop, rather than relying on a 16-year-old.

Reflecting on his own high school experience, Burns remarked, “It should be a memorable time, not something this serious.” He has since taken steps to file a restraining order against the victim’s parents.