Trial Begins for Illinois Landlord Accused of Hate Crime Murder of Palestinian-American Boy

Joseph Czuba, 73, faces multiple charges in the fatal stabbing of 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoumi and the wounding of his mother, Hanan Shaheen, in an attack prosecutors link to anti-Muslim hatred.

Joseph Czuba is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and hate crimes for the October 2023 stabbing of Wadea Al-Fayoumi and his mother, Hanan Shaheen, in Plainfield, Illinois.
Prosecutors allege that Czuba targeted the family due to their Muslim faith, influenced by his growing paranoia over the Israel-Hamas conflict after consuming conservative media commentary.
The attack left 6-year-old Wadea dead from 26 stab wounds and his mother seriously injured with over a dozen wounds; she survived after locking herself in a bathroom and calling 911.
Czuba’s wife reportedly told investigators that he feared the family would harm him, and prosecutors argue his actions were motivated by hatred and radicalized beliefs.
The case has drawn national attention, with advocates condemning the attack as emblematic of rising anti-Muslim sentiment in the U.S. and calling for accountability through a life sentence.