Maher Kassem, a 63-year-old man, has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of his wife, Majeda Kassem, and their three adult daughters, Halema Kassem and Hanan Kassem, in Tinley Park, Illinois.
The victims were identified as Majeda Kassem, 53; twins Halema Kassem, 25 and Hanan Kassem, 25.
Kassem was charged with four counts of first-degree murder.
The suspect’s 19-year-old son, who was sleeping at the time, woke up and witnessed the crime.
Maher Kassem ethnicity
Kassem’s ethnicity is not explicitly mentioned in the search results.
However, the victims of the Tinley Park shooting, his wife and daughters, were Palestinian Arabs, and the family is of Palestinian descent.
Therefore, it is speculated that Kassem is also a Palestinian Arab.
The family is reported to be Muslim.
Motive behind the shooting
The motive behind the Tinley Park shooting is not explicitly mentioned in the search results.
However, it is clear that the incident was a result of domestic violence.
The argument that led to the shootings was reportedly about money.
The family is of Palestinian descent and Muslim.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working closely with the State’s Attorney to gather more information and make an accurate charging decision.
Evidence presented against Maher Kassem
When officers arrived at Kassem’s house they found the four deceased women in the home’s lower level.
Prosecutors stated that the argument that led to the shootings was about money.
Additionally, the couple’s 19-year-old son, who was unharmed, was home and witnessed some of the events unfold.
He went downstairs when he heard arguing, according to prosecutors.
The daughters were each shot in the head, while their mother was shot more about half a dozen times, according to prosecutors.
A judge ordered Kassem to remain detained until his next court hearing, calling him a safety risk to his son and the public.
Public reaction
The public reaction to the Tinley Park shooting has been one of shock and sadness.
Tinley Park Mayor Michael W. Glotz called the killings a “senseless” act of domestic violence.
The responding officers were receiving mental health resources after responding to the incident.
Friends of the victims gathered at the crime scene, placing flowers in front of the police tape surrounding the home.
Advocates for domestic violence victims said it’s likely the killer had a history of using violence.
The incident is a stark reminder of how quickly domestic violence can escalate.
Domestic violence in the US
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a pervasive issue in the United States and involves various forms of physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence committed by a family member or intimate partner.
It can take many forms, including physical aggression or assault, sexual abuse, controlling or manipulative behavior, emotional or psychological abuse, and economic abuse.
Domestic violence can have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of survivors, leading to long-term health consequences such as chronic pain, depression and PTSD.
In the US, domestic violence is a serious issue that affects millions of people each year.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Domestic violence can occur in various contexts, such as forced or child marriages, and can be perpetuated by isolation, power and control, traumatic bonding to the abuser, cultural acceptance, lack of financial resources, fear, and shame, or to protect children.
Domestic violence can be committed by both men and women, and it is not limited to physical violence. It can also involve emotional, psychological or sexual abuse.
In some cases, domestic violence can result in severe consequences, such as stoning, bride burning, honor killing, and dowry death, which sometimes involves non-cohabitating family members.
Domestic violence can have a profound impact on the entire household, affecting not only the person being abused but also their children and other family members.
It is essential to raise awareness about the signs of domestic violence and what can be done to stop it. Women should not live in fear of their husbands, and physical or mental abuse should not be tolerated.
FAQ
Who is Maher Kassem, and what happened to him?
Kassem is a 63-year-old man who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder for killing his wife and three adult daughters in Tinley Park, Illinois.
What was the motive behind the Tinley Park shooting?
The motive behind the shooting was reportedly an argument about money.
What is Maher Kassem’s ethnicity?
The victims of the Tinley Park shooting were Palestinian Arabs, and the family is of Palestinian descent.
Therefore, it is speculated that Kassem is also a Palestinian Arab.
What evidence was presented against Maher Kassem?
The evidence presented against Kassem includes the fact that he called the police and reported that someone had been shot at the home, and the couple’s 19-year-old son, who was unharmed, was home and witnessed some of the events unfold.
What was the public reaction to the incident?
The public reaction to the Tinley Park shooting has been one of shock and sadness.
Was Maher Kassem known to have a history of violence?
There is no information in the search results that suggests Maher Kassem had a history of violence.
What is the status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working closely with the State’s Attorney to gather more information and make an accurate charging decision.
What is the penalty for first-degree murder in Illinois?
The penalty for first-degree murder in Illinois is 20 to 60 years in prison, or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
What resources are available for victims of domestic violence?
Victims of domestic violence can seek help from organizations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which provides crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local service providers.
What can be done to prevent domestic violence?
Preventing domestic violence requires a multifaceted approach, including education, awareness, and intervention.
It is essential to recognize the warning signs of domestic violence and to seek help if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship.