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Landlord imprisoned for decades in hate-crime attack on Palestinian American family has died

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Original Story by CNN
July 28, 2025
Landlord imprisoned for decades in hate-crime attack on Palestinian American family has died

Context:

Joseph Czuba, a 73-year-old landlord, was sentenced to 53 years in prison for the murder of 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and the attempted murder of the boy's mother, Hanan Shaheen, in a hate crime motivated by their Islamic faith and the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. The attack occurred in October 2023 when Czuba, agitated by the war, fatally stabbed Wadee and injured Shaheen in their rented home in Plainfield, Illinois. In court, Shaheen's harrowing testimony and the presentation of gruesome crime scene evidence led jurors to a swift guilty verdict within 90 minutes. Despite his sentencing, Czuba died in custody, leaving unresolved fears of anti-Muslim discrimination in the community. The incident has had a profound impact, with local officials dedicating a park playground in Wadee's memory, and the tragedy drawing attention to ongoing racial and religious tensions.

Dive Deeper:

  • Joseph Czuba was found guilty of murder, attempted murder, and hate-crime charges for attacking Wadee Alfayoumi and his mother, Hanan Shaheen, due to their Islamic faith and in reaction to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The attack highlighted growing fears of anti-Muslim sentiment in the area.

  • The brutal attack took place in October 2023 when Czuba, influenced by the recent conflict, stabbed Wadee 26 times and also injured his mother in their rented home in Plainfield, Illinois, a suburb with a significant Palestinian community.

  • During the trial, evidence included Shaheen's emotional testimony, a frantic 911 call, and explicit crime scene photos and police video, which were so severe that the judge shielded the images from the audience to protect the family present.

  • Jurors quickly reached a verdict, deliberating for less than 90 minutes after being presented with overwhelming evidence of the hate-fueled attack, leading to Czuba's conviction and subsequent 53-year prison sentence.

  • Despite Czuba's death in custody, the community continues to grapple with the ramifications of the attack, as evidenced by the large turnout at Wadee's funeral and the dedication of a park playground in his honor, reflecting the deep impact on the local population.

  • Ahmed Rehab from the Council on American-Islamic Relations highlighted the enduring presence of hate despite Czuba's death, indicating ongoing concerns about racial and religious tensions in the community.

  • Czuba's ex-wife testified that his actions were influenced by the news of the Israel-Hamas conflict, demonstrating how global events can incite local acts of violence and discrimination, further intensifying fears within minority communities.

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