On the morning of September 29, 2023, Ashraf Habimana, just 16 years old, made a choice that should have saved his life.

A fight had broken out between two stepbrothers at school. Ashraf wasn’t involved. He wasn’t armed. He wasn’t looking for trouble. Instead, witnesses say he tried to calm the situation — and when that failed, he ran.

As fear set in, Ashraf did what any scared child would do. He called his mother, asking for help. She never had the chance to reach him.

Prosecutors say Athif Hussaindeen chased Ashraf down and stabbed him with a so-called “zombie knife.” In his final moments, Ashraf pleaded for his life. The words fell into silence.

Despite emergency response, Ashraf died from his injuries — a young life cut short for trying to escape violence, not create it.

Athif and his twin brother, Althaf Hussaindeen, were later charged and sentenced to 24 years in prison. The courtroom delivered punishment, but it could not deliver peace.

Ashraf’s death sent shockwaves through his family, his school, and his community. Teachers spoke of his kindness. Friends remembered his laughter. A mother was left with a phone call that never ended.

This was not just a school fight.
It was a warning.

A warning about weapons in places meant to be safe.
A warning about how quickly violence overtakes reason.
A warning that even those trying to do the right thing are not always protected.

Ashraf Habimana should be planning his future — not being remembered in past tense.

And his story leaves behind a question that refuses to fade:

How many more children have to run for their lives before something changes? 🖤