Ihsan Ali convicted on assault charges after jury acquits on attempted murder; ‘honor killing’ claims barred from trial
Lacey, Washington – A 44-year-old father was sentenced to nearly three years in prison Tuesday for strangling his teenage daughter outside a Washington state high school in an attack that was captured on disturbing video footage.
Ihsan Ali received the maximum sentence of 32 months after being convicted of second-degree assault, unlawful imprisonment, and fourth-degree assault against his 17-year-old daughter Fatima. His wife, Zahraa Subhi Mohsin Ali, 40, was acquitted of all charges.
The October 18, 2024 attack occurred outside Timberline High School in Lacey, where shocking video showed Ihsan grabbing Fatima by the throat and placing her in a chokehold on the ground. Multiple witnesses testified that the teenager lost consciousness four times during the assault.
Dramatic Rescue Caught on Camera
Bystanders, including Fatima’s 16-year-old boyfriend Isiah and passing motorist Josh Wagner, intervened by repeatedly punching and kicking Ihsan to force him to release his daughter. Wagner testified that Fatima’s “face was changing color… she was gonna lose consciousness if it continued.”
“Her face was looking pale and her eyes were starting to roll back,” Isiah told the court through tears. Other students described how Fatima “couldn’t breathe” and her “lips were turning purple.”
Despite the violent intervention by rescuers, prosecutors alleged that Ihsan continued strangling his daughter for an additional 15-18 seconds after she lost consciousness.
‘Honor Killing’ Claims Excluded from Trial
The case gained national attention after initial police reports suggested the attack was motivated by Ihsan’s threats of an “honor killing” because Fatima had refused an arranged marriage and was dating an American boy. However, Judge Christine Schaller ruled that prosecutors could not present this narrative at trial, determining it would unfairly prejudice the jury.
“There is no express evidence that such was the motivation of either defendant in this case,” Deputy Prosecutor Heather Stone wrote in a pre-trial memorandum, abandoning the honor killing theory that had initially defined the case.
Defense attorney Erik Kaeding argued that “the entirety of the claims appears to be the result of Islamophobia,” stating there was no evidence supporting either honor killing or arranged marriage allegations.
Jury Rejects Murder Charges
While the physical assault was undisputed due to video evidence and witness testimony, a Thurston County Superior Court jury could not find proof beyond reasonable doubt that Ihsan intended to kill his daughter – the key element required for attempted murder.
After three days of deliberation, jurors found both parents not guilty of second-degree attempted murder on July 31, instead convicting Ihsan only on the lesser assault charges.
Maximum Sentence Imposed
Judge Schaller imposed the maximum penalties available, citing the “horrific actions” and “vicious assault on Fatima.” In addition to 32 months imprisonment, Ihsan was ordered to complete parenting classes, perform 18 months of community service, and have no contact with his daughter for 10 years.
“He victimized a defenseless young man for no reason,” the judge said, referring to the assault on Fatima’s boyfriend.
Victim Impact Statement
Now 18 years old, Fatima delivered an emotional victim impact statement calling her father a “monster” who tried to kill her with his own hands. She remains in extended foster care and, as an adult, cannot be compelled to return to her parents.
Fatima had previously told police she ran away from home after her parents attempted to put her on a plane to Iraq, though details about her family background were largely excluded from the trial proceedings.
Ihsan, who has been in custody since his arrest, will receive credit for the nearly 10 months already served. Zahraa was released following her acquittal.
The case highlighted the complex intersection of family conflicts, cultural issues, and the legal challenges of proving intent in violent assault cases, ultimately resulting in convictions far short of the attempted murder charges initially filed.
