Joliet, Illinois (AP) — In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, a suburban Chicago landlord is facing trial for the alleged murder of a young Palestinian American boy and the attempted murder of his mother. Joseph Czuba, 73, is accused of fatally stabbing six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi 26 times in what prosecutors describe as a hate crime.
The attack took place on October 14, 2023, in Plainfield, Illinois, nearly 40 miles from Chicago. Authorities allege that Czuba targeted the family because of their Islamic faith, amidst rising tensions following the war between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, 2023.
During the opening statements, Prosecutor Michael Fitzgerald shared with the jury an emotional 911 call, witness testimonies, police footage, and explicit crime scene photos. He detailed the horrific nature of the attack, emphasizing that Czuba left the knife in the young boy's body, highlighting the violence of the crime.
Czuba, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder, appeared in court wearing a suit, his greying hair falling past his shoulders. His defense attorney, Kylie Blatti, urged jurors to examine the evidence carefully, noting that some key pieces might be missing. "Go beyond the emotions to carefully examine the evidence," she stated.
The family, who had been renting two rooms from Czuba and his wife, had no prior issues during their two-year stay. However, tensions rose after the outbreak of the war, with Czuba allegedly telling them they were no longer welcome because they were Muslim.
Hanan Shaheen, the mother of the victim, was the first witness to testify. She recounted the events leading up to the attack, describing how Czuba told her, "You, as a Muslim, must die," before attacking her. Despite her injuries, she managed to lock herself in a bathroom and call 911 when she heard her son's screams.
The courtroom heard the harrowing 911 call, where Shaheen repeatedly screamed, "The landlord is killing me and my baby!" The emotional recording left many in the courtroom visibly affected.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the Chicago area's large Palestinian community, raising fears of anti-Muslim discrimination. Hundreds attended Wadee's janazah, or funeral service, where he was remembered for his kindness and love for sports and Legos.
In response to the tragedy, the boy's father, who is divorced from Shaheen, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing Shaheen, stating, "Hanan Shaheen continues the unimaginable fight for justice for Wadee."
The trial is expected to last about a week, with many watching closely as the prosecution seeks justice for the young boy and his family.
