The Ex-Wife of Man Charged in Palestinian American Boy’s Death Said He Had Become Paranoid

Mary Connor Testified in the Murder and Hate Crime Trial of Joseph Czuba

The ex-wife of a man accused of stabbing a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy to death and wounding his mother testified on Wednesday that he had become paranoid about his personal safety and wanted the boy’s mom out of his house after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023.

Czuba’s Paranoia and Isolation

Mary Connor, 64, was the 12th witness to take the stand for the prosecution in the murder and hate crime trial of Joseph Czuba, who prosecutors say fatally stabbed Wadee Alfayoumi and wounded his mother, Hanan Shaheen, at their suburban Chicago home because of their Islamic faith. Connor testified that Shaheen rented two rooms from her and Czuba for two years in Plainfield Township, about 40 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, and they enjoyed an amicable relationship.

The Turning Point

All that changed after Hamas attacked Israel, and Czuba told her, “Mary, I feel that Hanan needs to move,” she said, adding that she asked him why and he asked her whether she was aware of what had happened in Israel. Connor said Czuba told her, “Hanan needs to move because her friends could come and do us harm.” Connor said she tried to reason with Czuba by telling him that Shaheen had never had a guest in the home, but to no effect.

Czuba’s Descent into Paranoia

In the days leading up to the stabbings, Czuba was not acting like himself, she said. He had become withdrawn and mentioned to her that there would be a “day of Jihad.” He was concerned U.S. banking systems could fail, so he withdrew $1,000 from his account, telling her it would be important to have money on hand if that happened, she said.

The Tragic Events

Czuba allegedly forced his way into Shaheen’s room on October 14, 2023, and stabbed her more than a dozen times in front of Wadee before fatally attacking the boy. Shaheen, 33, testified on Tuesday that Czuba turned on her and Wadee after the war began and that he told her she had to move before he attacked her and Wadee. She said that after she locked herself in a bathroom to call 911, Czuba attacked Wadee, who had just celebrated his birthday.

Conclusion

The trial of Joseph Czuba continues, with the prosecution presenting its case that he was motivated by hate for Muslim people. The outcome of this trial will determine whether Czuba is found guilty of the heinous crimes he is accused of committing.

FAQs

* Who is Joseph Czuba?
+ He is the man accused of stabbing a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy to death and wounding his mother.
* What is the charge against Joseph Czuba?
+ He is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and hate crimes.
* What is the motive behind the alleged crimes?
+ Prosecutors say Czuba was motivated by hate for Muslim people.
* What is the current status of the trial?
+ The trial is ongoing, with the prosecution presenting its case.