JOLIET, Ill. (AP) — A landlord in unincorporated Plainfield is set to appear in court, charged with the stabbing death of a six-year-old boy. Joseph Czuba is facing charges of first degree murder and two counts of hate crime for the killing of Wadee Al-Fayoume and the serious injury of his mother. Czuba, 71, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was previously denied bond.
The Will County state’s attorney has charged Czuba with hate crime, citing evidence that the attack was motivated by the victims’ Muslim faith. Wadee and his mother had been renting an apartment from Czuba for the past two years before the tragic incident occurred.
Family and loved ones of the victims plan to hold a vigil outside the courthouse to honor Wadee Al-Fayoume. This tragic event has shaken the local community, and faith-based organizations are coming together to remember the young boy.
The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice, as the community grapples with the senseless loss of a young life. The upcoming court appearance is expected to draw attention and support from those seeking justice for Wadee Al-Fayoume and his family.
Czuba’s next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday for pretrial and additional discovery. As the case unfolds, the community remains vigilant in seeking justice for the innocent victims of this tragic incident.