Murder Charges For Tinley Man In Slayings Of Wife, 3 Daughters: PD

TINLEY PARK, IL — A Tinley Park man has been charged with murder after police say he fatally shot his wife and three daughters during a verbal argument Sunday.

Maher Kassem, 63, of the 7400 block of 173rd Place, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of wife Majeda Kassem, 53, and daughters Halema Kassem, 25, Hanan Kassem, 24, and Zahia Kassem, 25, who were all shot multiple times the morning of Sunday, Jan. 21.

Maher called 911 himself after shooting the four women inside the home he shared with them, police said Tuesday.

"Words can't describe how deeply saddened I am at this horrible tragedy," Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz said Monday. "A mother and her three daughters are gone, murdered in an act of senseless domestic violence. The entire Tinley Park community is heartbroken at the loss of these four innocent women.

"... We grieve alongside the family, friends, and neighbors who loved them. It’s difficult to process a senseless tragedy like this."

Police said they received a 911 call at 11:20 a.m. from a man—now known to be Maher Kassem—at the scene stating that someone had been shot inside the home. A male suspect was taken into custody at the house, police said Sunday afternoon. A gun was also recovered at the scene.

First responders found the bodies of all four women on the lower level of the house, police said Tuesday. Maher Kassem was taken into custody at the scene "after making statements related to his involvement," police said.

Autopsies revealed the women were all shot multiple times.

"Our prayers go out to the family and the community on this lethal act of domestic violence against women," Village Manager Pat Carr said during a news conference Monday. "This was a very traumatic scene for everybody involved, and our focus is on the family and our first responders."

Glotz reflected on the killings as heartbreaking.

"This is a difficult day and a stark reminder at how quickly domestic violence can escalate," Glotz said.

Kassem is due to appear at a detention hearing at the Fifth Municipal Building, 10220 S. 76th Ave., Bridgeview, at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

READ ALSO:

• Slain Mom, Daughters Remembered For Strong Bond, 'Gentle' Natures
• Tinley 'Heartbroken,' Details Sparse In Killings Of Mom, 3 Daughters
• Tinley Mother, 3 Daughters Were Shot Multiple Times: Medical Examiner

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