Mother Severely Injured, Young Boy Killed in Suspected Hate Crime

In a horrifying incident that occurred in Plainfield Township, Illinois, a six-year-old boy was brutally murdered and his 32-year-old mother was severely injured. The alleged attacker, who is their landlord, reportedly used a knife in what is believed to be a hate crime targeting Muslims.

The victims, the six-year-old boy named Wadea Al-Fayoume and his mother, were assaulted on October 14, 2023, at their home.

The landlord, identified as 71-year-old Joseph Czuba, was apprehended at the scene by the Will County Sheriff’s Office. He has since been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, hate crimes, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

A 71-year-old American man brutally attacked an innocent 6-year-old American-Palestinian boy in Chicago and killed him with 26 strokes of a military knife. The child’s mother was also sent to the hospital. pic.twitter.com/3UGRE7IdgM

— Everything you need to know (@Everything65687) October 16, 2023

Despite her severe injuries, the mother showed incredible bravery during the attack. She managed to call 911 while fending off the assailant and locked herself in the bathroom. Her quick thinking and courage allowed law enforcement to arrive quickly at the scene.

When deputies arrived, they found Czuba with a cut on his forehead sitting outside the house. Inside, they discovered the two victims in a bedroom, both suffering from multiple stab wounds. They were immediately taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Tragically, the young boy did not survive his injuries. An autopsy revealed that he had been stabbed twenty-six times with a military-style knife with a twelve-inch serrated blade.

The mother, despite having more than a dozen stab wounds, is expected to recover from this brutal assault.

Funeral for 6-year-old Palestinian boy killed by landlord to be held outside Chicago https://t.co/1mTvPv7bEb

— The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) October 16, 2023

After receiving treatment for his injury, Czuba was taken to the Will County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Complex for questioning.

Although he did not provide any statements about his involvement in the attack, detectives were able to gather enough evidence through interviews and on-site findings to formally charge him.

The investigation revealed that the victims were targeted because of their Muslim faith and the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict involving Hamas and Israel. This tragic incident highlights the importance of mental health checks and fostering a greater sense of understanding in our society.

This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.