Hate Crime, Plainfield Boy's Murder: Bertino Calls It 'Reprehensible'

JOLIET, IL — Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and State Representative Harry Benton, all Democrats, issued separate statements condemning Saturday's apparent hate crime and murder in Plainfield of a 6-year-old boy and the stabbing of his 32-year-old mother.

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of the victims in Saturday’s brutal attack in Plainfield Township," Bertino's statement declared. "Words can’t express how reprehensible this act of violence is. My heart breaks for the victims and their family.

"Illinois State Police is working with our local law enforcement to monitor any potential extremist activities following this horrendous hate crime.

The victims were targeted due to their Muslim faith and in connection with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Hamas and Israel, police said, characterizing the attack as a “senseless and cowardly act of violence.”

Joseph Czuba fatally stabbed 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume 26 times, and he stabbed the little boy's mother, Hanaan Shahin, more than a dozen times, according to Will County police.

"At a time when tensions in the community can run high, I am asking residents to remain on alert," Bertino reminded everyone. "If you become aware of anyone who is threatening others, please contact law enforcement immediately. If you see something, say something. Suspicious activity can be reported to your local law enforcement or the Will County Sheriff’s Office at 815-727-8575.”

Czuba, 71, of Plainfield, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of committing a hate crime and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in connection with the stabbings Saturday, police said.

Will County deputies responded around 11:30 a.m. to a home in the 16200 block of South Lincoln Highway in Plainfield Township after the 32-year-old mother called 911 after attempting to fight off Czuba before hiding in a bathroom, according to police.

The mother was taken to a hospital in serious condition with over a dozen wounds, which she is expected to survive, according to police.

Czuba remained in custody at the Will County jail Sunday. He is due in court Monday afternoon, according to jail records.

Bertino was the first elected official in the entire Joliet area to issue a public statement in regard to Saturday's murder of the 6-year-old child.

Several hours after Bertino's statement was issued, two additional area Democrats, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel of Shorewood and State Rep. Harry Benton of Plainfield issued statements of their own.

According to her staff, Cappel released the following statement following the brutal hate crime that took place Saturday against a young child and his mother in Plainfield:

“The hate that fueled this senseless crime is appalling. I cannot comprehend how anyone could harm a child and his mother in their home due to their race or religion. My heart goes out to all who know and love this family.

“My office and I are here to provide support to those who need it.”

Benton released the following statement Sunday evening:

“I join my Plainfield community in mourning the loss of a 6-year-old child, Wadea Al-Fayoume and praying for the recovery of his mother, Hanaan Shahin. This brutal violence is tragic and unacceptable under any circumstances. Reports indicating that the crime was motivated by a bigoted misinterpretation of world events makes this tragedy a reprehensible act of hate. Our community of many faiths and backgrounds is united in condemning this hateful violence, and praying for the safety of all of our neighbors.”