Prosecutors say the landlord accused of stabbing a six-year-old boy to death became paranoid about a so-called “day of jihad” after listening to details about Hamas and Israel on the radio.
Joseph Czuba, 71, was arrested after six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume, died after suffering 26 stabd wounds while his mom reportedly called for help in their bathroom. Hanaan Shahin was taken to hospital from the Plainford home in Illinois, reports MailOnline.
Wadea’s coffin sat in a local mosque on Monday so the local community could pay their final respects. His dad, Oday, could be seen in wiping away tears, says the Chicago Tribune.
It came as Czuba appeared in court on murder charges. He was denied bail.
Before Wadea’s funeral, members of both the Muslim and Palestinian community gathered. It comes as the world’s eye has been on the conflict between Hamas and Israel – a surprise attack was launched by Hamas on Israel last weekend.
Relatives told the Tribune that the boy and his mother lived at their home for two years without incident.
Wadea’s death caused a reaction across the globe, with US President Joe Biden condemning the incident. Meanwhile, in Brussels, a man claiming to be an ISIS member allegedly shot two people to avenge Wadea’s death.
Czuba appeared in court with matted hair and wearing a red prison jumpsuit. He was refused bail after being arraigned on charges for first-degree murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault.
At the hearing, prosectors claimed Czuba became paranoid after Hamas leaders called for a “day of jihad” on Friday. When no such attack occured, his wife claims he became more frightened.
After listening to radio coverage, she says he withdrew $1,000 and claimed “the grid was going down”. His wife told cops he thought they were in danger.
According to the youngster’s mom, Czuba, who rented them a room, tried to choke her. She ran inside, calling 911. Wadea was however reportedly stabbed with a serrated knife.
Police arrived to find Czuba sat outside.
Following the incident, Joe Biden said: “The child’s Palestinian Muslim family came to America seeking what we all seek—a refuge to live, learn, and pray in peace.
“This horrific act of hate has no place in America, and stands against our fundamental values: freedom from fear for how we pray, what we believe, and who we are. As Americans, we must come together and reject Islamophobia and all forms of bigotry and hatred. I have said repeatedly that I will not be silent in the face of hate. We must be unequivocal. There is no place in America for hate against anyone.
“We join everyone here at the White House in sending our condolences and prayers to the family, including for the mother’s recovery, and to the broader Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim American communities.”
