Ibrahim Ali found guilty of killing 13-year-old girl in B.C.
Warning: This story contains graphic details.
A jury has found Ibrahim Ali guilty of killing a 13-year-old girl whose body was found in a Burnaby, B.C., park in 2017.
Friday's decision comes less than 24 hours after the jury began deliberations.
Sobbing and gasps could be heard from the gallery in the packed court room, while Ali, dressed in a navy blue sweat suit, stared straight ahead and showed no emotion as he learned his fate.
Earlier in the day, Ali stood up and tried to address the judge, saying he didn’t kill or sexually assault the girl.
Justice Lance Bernard ignored the pleas, and Ali’s lawyers told him to sit down.
The trial lasted for eight months and Ali's lawyers did not introduce any evidence or call any witnesses, instead arguing that the Crown had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Crown told the court that Ali sexually assaulted the girl before strangling her to death.
Ali was convicted of first-degree murder, a charge that carries an automatic sentence of life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.
The girl cannot be named due to a publication ban.
When instructing the jury on Thursday, Justice Lance Bernard told members the Crown's case was circumstantial, requiring them to infer as the only reasonable conclusion that Ali forced the girl off a path and into a wooded area in Burnaby's Central Park, where he raped and fatally strangled her in July 2017.
Bernard said Ali's lawyers, meanwhile, argued that semen inside the girl's body that matched Ali's DNA could have been the result of an earlier encounter with an “innocent explanation” and Ali isn't the person who killed her and dumped her body in the park.
Jurors had the option of finding Ali guilty of first-degree murder, guilty of a lesser charge of either second-degree murder or manslaughter, or not guilty.
After it was instructed Thursday, the jury asked the court for clarification on the definitions of the various offences and the distinctions between them.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
With files from The Canadian Press
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Parts of Canada could see the Northern Lights on New Year's Eve. Here's where you could see
While fireworks have become a popular way to celebrate the arrival of the new year, many Canadians could be treated to a much larger light display across the night sky.
Ottawa family returns home after chaotic Costa Rica trip
After spending almost 48 hours longer than intended in Costa Rica, the Sachs family has finally returned home.
'Dangerous person alert' ended as police locate dead suspect in Calgary double murder
The suspect in a double homicide that took place in Calgary on Sunday night has been discovered dead by police.
More than US$12M worth of jewelry and Hermes bags stolen from U.K. home
Police are searching for a burglar who stole more than £10 million ($12.5 million) worth of bespoke jewelry in north-west London in what is thought to be one of the biggest thefts from a British home.
Border agents seize $2M worth of cocaine bound for Canada at Coutts
Authorities at the Coutts, Alta., border crossing seized 189 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated value of about $2 million, that was being shipped into Canada.
Matthew Gaudreau's widow welcomes their first child months after his death
Four months after his death, the widow of Matthew Gaudreau announced the birth of their first child. Gaudreau, 29, and his NHL star brother Johnny Gaudreau, 31, were killed after being struck by a driver in August.
'McDonald's wouldn't open': Here are B.C.'s 10 worst 911 nuisance calls of the year
What do overripe avocados, stinky cologne and misplaced phones have in common? Generally speaking, none of them warrant a call to 911.
Man who peed on B.C. RCMP detachment injured during arrest, watchdog says
A police watchdog is asking witnesses to come forward after a man who allegedly peed on a B.C. RCMP detachment "sustained an injury" during his arrest.
opinion
opinion Tom Mulcair: Grading Trudeau's performance in 2024, and what's ahead for him in the new year
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is about to enter the final year of his mandate and, quite possibly, of his political career, writes Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca. The former NDP leader takes a snapshot of Trudeau's leadership balance sheet as a way of understanding how he got to where he is in the polls.
Vancouver Island
-
Vancouver Island shooting victim found behind the wheel at crash scene: RCMP
Mounties responding to reports of a crash on Vancouver Island found a driver with life-threatening gunshot wounds early Monday morning.
-
'Vacuum of services': B.C. sexual health clinics at risk of closure
One of Canada’s largest non-profit sexual health organizations is at risk of closing dozens of its clinics due to funding constraints.
-
'McDonald's wouldn't open': Here are B.C.'s 10 worst 911 nuisance calls of the year
What do overripe avocados, stinky cologne and misplaced phones have in common? Generally speaking, none of them warrant a call to 911.
Kelowna
-
B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation
More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025.
-
B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation
A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year.
-
B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor
A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision.
Edmonton
-
'Clearly not safe': Third vehicle in 3 days to fall through ice at Sylvan Lake
Since Dec. 28, three different vehicles have fallen through the ice at Sylvan Lake – two vehicles plunged into the lake on Saturday with the other on Monday morning.
-
Fireworks, waterparks and horse-drawn carriages: Here are New Year's Eve events happening in Edmonton
With Christmas 2024 in the books, there's only one more holiday for families to enjoy before opening the 2025 cat calendar you received from a distant relative: New Year's Eve.
-
RCMP issue shelter-in-place advisory in part of County of Wetaskiwin
Police are asking people who live in a part of the County of Wetaskiwin to shelter in place Monday night as officers deal with an incident.
Calgary
-
'Dangerous person alert' ended as police locate dead suspect in Calgary double murder
The suspect in a double homicide that took place in Calgary on Sunday night has been discovered dead by police.
-
Dicey ice conditions prompt safety reminders and rink closures in Alberta
Many Albertans are heading outdoors amid the warm weather this holiday season, but it is prompting several warnings and reminders about the dangers around ice.
-
Calgary police chief talks gangs, downtown safety, relationship with the province, protests
Police Chief Mark Neufeld sat down with CTV News Calgary's Jefferson Humphreys to look back at the city police force's 2024, as well as ahead to its 2025.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge-West byelection results officially confirmed by Elections Alberta
Elections Alberta officially confirmed the results of the recent Lethbridge-West provincial byelection, declaring a win for NDP candidate Rob Miyashiro.
-
Hiker hospitalized after serious fall south of Lethbridge
A hiker is lucky to be alive after a serious fall over the weekend just southwest of Lethbridge.
-
Fort Macleod temporarily closes emergency department due to physician shortage
Alberta Health Services announced a temporary closure of the Fort Macleod Health Centre’s Emergency Department Monday due to a lack of available physicians.
Winnipeg
-
'We need justice': Family of man shot and killed by Winnipeg police nearly a year ago still seeking answers
The family of a University of Manitoba student who was shot and killed during an encounter with Winnipeg police is demanding answers nearly one year after his death.
-
Winnipeg wedding lounge to close after 50 years
After 50 years in business, the purple building with the purple cake in Winnipeg’s West End is closing its doors.
-
'I always loved dancing': Winnipeg dancer, 102, takes stage during Nutcracker production
An esteemed Winnipeg dancer graced the stage once again last week, more than eight decades after her debut.
Regina
-
Regina teens make first court appearance in homicide case
Two Regina teens facing second-degree murder charges in connection to the death of a man on Boxing Day appeared in person at Regina Youth Court on Monday morning.
-
Swift Current Broncos remember 1986 team on 38th anniversary of bus crash
Monday marked the 38th anniversary of the Swift Current Broncos bus crash. To mark the 38th year of the incident, the Broncos will host the Brandon Wheat Kings in Swift Current, with a portion of the game dedicated to the memory of the four players.
-
Here are CTV Regina's top 10 stories of 2024
From a shake up in Regina City Council leadership to an explosion of a well-known community staple, 2024 was a busy year in the headlines. Here is a look at the top stories of 2024 from CTV News Regina.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon's Medavie paramedics saw another record year for emergency calls
Saskatoon paramedics responded to a record number of emergency calls this year, yet again, although they say the increase is smaller than in recent years.
-
Sask. police officer on trial for negligence over in-custody death has charges stayed
A Saskatchewan police officer who faced criminal charges in connection with a man’s in-custody death will not be going to trial — the Crown has opted to stay the charges.
-
'Light over darkness': Saskatoon's Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah
Upwards of 100 people gathered in downtown Saskatoon for a Hanukkah celebration Sunday evening.
Toronto
-
1 arrested after 4 suspects with hammers rob Fairview Mall jewelry store: Toronto police
Toronto police have arrested one suspect following another smash-and-grab style robbery at Toronto’s Fairview Mall.
-
Ontario labour ministry investigating injury on Toronto set of 'Beast Games'
Ontario's labour ministry is investigating an industrial accident on the Toronto set of 'Beast Games,' the newly released Prime Video competition series from YouTube star MrBeast.
-
Toronto speed camera cut down a third time, thrown into pond: advocacy group
One of the busiest speed cameras in the city appears to have been cut down for a third time and thrown into a pond, according to a traffic safety advocacy group.
Montreal
-
Quebec ski hill operators' spirits aren't dampened by rainy and warm weather
Quebec ski hill operators say they're remaining optimistic despite warm temperatures and heavy rainfall that could dampen the lucrative holiday ski period.
-
Quebec emergency rooms are starting to fill up again after the holidays
After a slight lull around Christmas, the number of emergency patients in Quebec hospitals is on the rise again.
-
Ottawa
-
Ottawa family returns home after chaotic Costa Rica trip
After spending almost 48 hours longer than intended in Costa Rica, the Sachs family has finally returned home.
-
Things to do in Ottawa on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
-
Jimmy Carter remembered for his legacy in eastern Ontario
The former president came to Chalk River, Ont. in 1952 during the first partial nuclear reactor meltdown in history, an event that had a profound impact on his presidency.
Atlantic
-
Debris found at St. John's airport after plane takes off, catches fire on N.S. runway
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says it is investigating whether debris found on the runway of an airport in St. John's is connected to the plane that caught fire over the weekend after it landed on a Halifax runway.
-
Mayor of New Brunswick municipality resigns suddenly
Mayor Rob Rochon of Fundy Albert, N.B., posted his resignation letter on social media Friday.
-
Sister of N.S. man found dead in Dartmouth tent speaks out
The sister of a Nova Scotia man who was found dead in a tent is speaking out.
London
-
Two men, one teen facing charges after police seize loaded guns and drugs
London police have charged three people after members of the LPS Uniformed Division recovered a stolen All-Terrain Vehicle, loaded guns and drugs.
-
Stolen vehicle recovered, two people charged
The London Police Service has arrested two people following the recovery of a stolen vehicle last week.
-
London man arrested in arson investigation
The London Police Service Street Crime Unit is investigating after a London man was arrested related to a shed fire that has been deemed an arson.
Kitchener
-
Investigation continues into deaths of two people at Brantford encampment
Investigators say they do not suspect foul play in the deaths of two people at a Brantford encampment on Boxing Day.
-
Flood warning issued for West Montrose
The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a flood warning for West Montrose as the community continues to experience above freezing temperatures.
-
Looking ahead to Waterloo Region's 2025 housing market
Experts say the housing market is due for a comeback in the new year.
Northern Ontario
-
Two people feared drowned in Temiskaming Shores, Ont.
An Ontario Provincial Police underwater recovery team is at the scene of a possible drowning in Temiskaming Shores.
-
Passengers describe travel nightmare after WestJet flight from Costa Rica cancelled
It was a travel nightmare that left more than 100 passengers, including Ottawa residents, stranded in Costa Rica this week.
-
Motorist was driving 180 km/h on Hwy. 11, North Bay suspect charged
A call from a concerned motorist helped Almaguin Highlands Ontario Provincial Police catch a driver travelling 180 km/h on Highway 11 on Dec. 29.
N.L.
-
Icebreaker on hand in Labrador to guide season's last freight arrivals by ferry
A Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker is in central Labrador until Saturday to guide the Kamutik W ferry on its last freight deliveries of the season.
-
Whooping cough in Canada: Outbreaks or case increases reported in these provinces
Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade.
-
Her son needed help with addiction. Instead, he's spending Christmas in N.L. jail.
As Gwen Perry prepares for a Christmas without contact from her son, who is locked inside a notorious St. John's, N.L., jail, she wants people to understand that many inmates need help, not incarceration.
