Hanaan Shahin, 32, of Plainfield Township, Will County, Illinois, United States is Muslim and Palestinian American. She moved to the U.S. in 2011 and gave birth to Wadea Al-Fayoume in the country on October 6, 2017.
In 2021, Shahin and Al-Fayoume moved to the house of Joseph Michael Czuba, 71, and Mary Elizabeth Czuba, 63, in Plainfield Township. Shahin and Al-Fayoume rented a room on the ground floor of the house.
On October 7, 2023, the militant group Hamas attacked Israel. On the morning of October 14, 2023, Joseph went to Shahin’s room and they argued about the war.
Using a 12-inch military-style knife, Czuba allegedly stabbed Shahin and Wadea. She survived and called 911 while her son had 26 stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
At around 11:38 a.m., Will County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the residence. Responding officers found Joseph near the driveway of the residence.
After being treated for a laceration, Joseph was released from the hospital and was taken to the public safety complex of the Will County Sheriff’s Office. He was questioned by detectives before he was taken to the Will County Adult Detention Facility in Joliet, Illinois.
Joseph was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, attempted first-degree murder, first-degree murder and two counts of a hate crime. On October 16, 2023, he appeared in court.
Due to the nature of the crimes and the broader threat to public safety, the judge denied Joseph’s pretrial release. The suspect will be appointed a public defender.
At 9:00 a.m. on October 30, 2023, Joseph will be back in court. While waiting for the hearing, he will remain detained.
CONAN Daily 