Landlord Convicted of Hate Crime Murder Dies in Custody

Muslim Family Targeted Amidst Gaza Conflict

The Illinois landlord convicted of a brutal hate crime against his six-year-old Palestinian-American tenant, **Wadea al-Fayoume**, has died while in state custody. **Joseph Czuba**, 73, passed away Thursday at the Illinois Department of Corrections, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office, less than three months into a 53-year prison sentence.

Brutal Attack on Mother and Son

Authorities maintain that **Czuba** targeted **Wadea** and his mother, **Hanaan Shaheen**, due to their Islamic faith shortly after the Israel-Gaza war began in late 2023. The family had been renting rooms from **Czuba** in Plainfield, Illinois. Police reports indicate **Czuba** stabbed the young boy an astonishing 26 times before attacking **Shaheen**, reportedly telling her, “you, as a Muslim, must die.” **Wadea** tragically died from his injuries after being transported to the hospital.

Conviction and Sentencing

**Czuba** was found guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder, two counts of hate crime, and two counts of aggravated battery. The jury reached their verdict in less than 90 minutes. The explicit nature of some crime scene evidence presented during the trial led the judge to restrict audience viewing, as many of **Wadea**’s family members were present.

Community Reacts to Ongoing Hate

Following the news of **Czuba**’s death, **Ahmed Rehab**, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ Chicago chapter, issued a statement acknowledging the killer’s demise but emphasizing the persistent threat of Islamophobia. “this depraved killer has died, the hate is still alive and well,” **Rehab** stated. The attack had amplified national concerns regarding anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian discrimination, particularly in the wake of escalating conflict overseas.

A memorial for **Wadea al-Fayoume** was established in June at a Plainfield playground, a community known for its significant Palestinian population. The violence underscored rising tensions, with a recent report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate noting a 300% increase in hate speech incidents targeting Muslims on social media platforms during periods of geopolitical conflict (BBC News, April 2024).