Beth Lawrence

Hanaan Shahin is a Palestinian American woman who lives in Plainfield Township with her son Wadee Alfayoumi. She works as a nurse at Advocate Condell Medical Center and has been living in the area for about two years. Her husband died several years ago, leaving her to raise their child alone. Shahin is an active member of the local community and volunteers at various events and organizations that support refugees and immigrants. She is also a vocal advocate for peace between Israel and Palestine, hoping for an end to the violence that has plagued both sides for decades. She met Joseph Czuba, her landlord, when she moved into his rental property about six months ago. Czuba is a 71-year-old retired electrician who lives alone in another house on the same property. He is known to be conservative and outspoken about his political views. Shahin said that Czuba has been respectful and friendly towards her, but she noticed that he often displayed signs with anti-government messages or slogans supporting Donald Trump in front of his house. She also said that sometimes he would approach her and talk about the news or current events. On October 15, 2023, Shahin called 911 after she was attacked by Czuba with a knife as she ran to the bathroom to hide from him. Deputies arrived at the scene and found both victims lying injured inside the house. Wadee had been stabbed 26 times, and his mother had been stabbed more than a dozen times. Shahin was transported to a hospital in serious condition, but she survived her injuries. Wadee was pronounced dead at the scene. Czuba was treated for a minor laceration on his forehead and arrested for murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and hate crime charges. He did not cooperate with detectives during questioning and claimed that he acted in self-defense. However, investigators were able to determine that he targeted the victims because they are Muslim due to his anti-Islamic beliefs. Czuba is currently awaiting trial for his crimes.