FOX16: Vigil held to honor slain Muslim boy as accused attacker appears in court in Illinois
“Odai Alfayoumi, father of slain 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi, addresses reporters in front of Will County Courthouse, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, in Joliet, Ill. Alfayoumi attended a vigil outside the courthouse to remember his son before a pretrial hearing for Joseph Czuba, who is accused of killing the child and wounding his mother, and targeting the family for their Muslim faith. (AP Photo/Claire Savage)”
As the legal process unfolded, community members gathered outside the courthouse to show unwavering support for the Al Fayoumi family. The horrific attack, which claimed the life of young Wadee and left his mother injured, has left a profound impact on the community, prompting a collective call for justice and unity.
JOLIET, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois man charged with murder, attempted murder and a hate crime in an October attack on a Palestinian American mother and her young son appeared at a pretrial hearing Wednesday as community members gathered outside the courthouse in support of the child’s family.
Joseph Czuba, 71, is accused of fatally stabbing of 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and wounding Hanan Shaheen on Oct. 14 in in Plainfield, Illinois, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.