Springfield: A landlord in Illinois has been convicted of murdering a six-year-old Palestinian boy due to his Islamic faith. Joseph Czuba, 73, fatally stabbed Wadee Alfayoumi and injured his mother, Hanan Shaheen. The brutal attack took place in October 2023 inside their rented home in Plainfield. Authorities confirmed that the attack was motivated by religious hatred. A jury delivered the guilty verdict after deliberating for less than 90 minutes.
Father’s Reaction
The boy’s father, Odai Alfayoumi, expressed mixed emotions after the court’s decision. He stated that he didn’t know whether to feel happy or sad. “People tell me to smile, but I have lost my child,” he said. He also mentioned that the verdict came too late for his family. The case has deeply impacted the local community and beyond.
Horrific Details
The trial included testimonies from police, medical staff, Czuba’s ex-wife, and Shaheen. Shaheen described how Czuba first attacked her with a knife before targeting her son. The six-year-old was stabbed 26 times in another room. Authorities found the boy’s body with a knife still lodged in his side. Graphic images and police video were shown during the trial as evidence.
Prosecution’s Case
Prosecutors highlighted the brutal nature of the murder during their statements. Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Fitzgerald condemned Czuba’s actions. “As if it wasn’t enough to kill the child, he left the knife in his body,” he told jurors. Evidence included crime scene photos and a knife holder linked to Czuba. Some explicit visuals were kept from public view out of respect for the victim’s family.
Sentencing Scheduled
Czuba faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and hate crimes. His attorney, George Lenard, declined to comment following the verdict. Czuba pleaded not guilty but was convicted on all counts. His sentencing is set for May 2, according to court records. The case has drawn national attention, sparking discussions on hate crimes.
