Chahnaz Kebaier, a 40-year-old woman from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on May 25, 2012. She was shot multiple times while waiting for her children to be dismissed from Mary Scroggs Elementary School. The incident occurred in the afternoon, and Kebaier was taken to UNC hospitals, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The shooting was a result of an ongoing domestic dispute between Kebaier and her estranged husband, Ali Cherfaoui.
Ali Cherfaoui, 51 years old
at the time, was identified as the suspect in the shooting. He was apprehended by the Chapel Hill Police Department shortly after the incident. Cherfaoui was charged with murder and held in the Orange County Jail without bond. The case revealed that Kebaier had obtained a domestic violence protective order against Cherfaoui, claiming that he had threatened to kill her if she took their children.
In court, it was disclosed that Cherfaoui shot Kebaier at least five times in the face. Witnesses reported that Kebaier raised her hands and backed away in fear when she saw Cherfaoui approaching. The day before the shooting, Cherfaoui had called his mother-in-law, threatening to kill Kebaier and himself. Despite the threats, Kebaier sought to find a solution that would allow their children to have both parents in their lives.
Cherfaoui pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, discharging a weapon on school property, and possession of a weapon on school property. He was sentenced to 24 to 30 years for the murder plea and an additional 30 to 42 years for the other charges. The couple's children, who were present at the school during the shooting, were left without both parents and now live with Kebaier's parents in Tunisia.
The tragic death of Chahnaz Kebaier highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of protective measures for victims. The community of Chapel Hill was deeply affected by the incident, and support teams were made available to help children and adults cope with the trauma.
