Mother Testifies in Murder Trial of Son, 6, Killed in Alleged Hate Crime

The trial of Joseph Czuba, a 73-year-old landlord charged with the murder of 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and the attempted murder of his mother, Hanan Shaheen, is underway in Joliet, Illinois. Shaheen testified that the attack on October 14, 2023, was motivated by hate against Muslims in the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. She described how Czuba, who had previously welcomed her family, became aggressive after the war began, declaring that Muslims were not welcome in his home. During the brutal assault, Czuba reportedly yelled, 'You Muslim must die,' and while stabbing Shaheen, he made chilling remarks to her son, suggesting he would raise the boy after killing his mother. Shaheen, who suffered severe injuries, managed to call 911 while hiding in a bathroom, pleading for help as her son was attacked. The trial has included graphic evidence, including audio recordings of Shaheen's desperate 911 call.