Landlord Who Committed Hate Crime Attacks Dies in Custody

A man convicted of a brutal hate crime attack that resulted in the death of a young boy has recently passed away while in prison.

Joseph Czuba, 73, was sentenced to 53 years in prison three months ago after being found guilty of murder, attempted murder, and hate crime charges related to the stabbing of Wadee Alfayoumi and injuries to his mother, Hanan Shaheen. The attack occurred in October 2023 and was motivated by religious intolerance linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict that had erupted shortly before the assault.

The family had been renting rooms in Czuba’s home in Plainfield, about 40 miles from Chicago, when the attack occurred. Testimony during the trial included a distressing 911 call from Mrs. Shaheen, police video footage, and graphic crime scene photographs. The jury reached a verdict in less than 90 minutes.

Prosecutors highlighted Czuba’s motive, emphasizing that he attacked Wadee and his mother because of their Muslim faith, in response to recent conflicts in the Middle East. Witnesses included Shaheen herself and Czuba’s ex-wife, Mary, who testified that Czuba’s agitation grew due to the ongoing war.

According to police, Czuba used a knife from his belt holster to stab Wadee 26 times, leaving the weapon embedded in the child’s body. Due to the graphic nature of the evidence, some crime scene photos were withheld from viewers, including Wadee’s relatives.

The attack intensified fears over anti-Muslim prejudice, especially in communities with large Palestinian populations. Wadee’s funeral was heavily attended, and a local park has been named in his memory to honor his life.

Czuba died on Thursday while in custody, according to authorities.