Illinois Man Convicted in Hate Crime Murder of 6-Year-Old Palestinian American Boy

Joseph Czuba found guilty of murder, attempted murder, and hate crimes in a brutal attack fueled by anti-Muslim hatred during the Israel-Hamas war.

Joseph Czuba, 73, was convicted of the October 2023 murder of 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and the attempted murder of his mother, Hanan Shaheen, in Plainfield, Illinois.
Prosecutors argued the attack was motivated by anti-Muslim hate, with Czuba becoming increasingly hostile toward his Palestinian and Muslim tenants after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.
The jury deliberated for just over an hour before finding Czuba guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and committing hate crimes.
The case drew national attention, highlighting a surge in Islamophobia and antisemitism during the conflict, and sparked calls for greater efforts to combat hate crimes and inflammatory rhetoric.
Czuba faces life in prison without parole, with sentencing scheduled for May 2, 2025.