Visitation Set For Mia Maro, Crisis Center Speaks Out On Teen's Death

TINLEY PARK, IL — Funeral arrangements have been announced for Mia Maro, a 17-year-old girl who was killed inside her Tinley Park home May 1.

Police have arrested and charged Mia's father, Mohammed Almaru, in connection with her death.

"Mia was a beautiful soul and the light of our lives," wrote family in the high school senior's obituary. "She was a 17yr old girl who had a thirst for life. Mia was an amazing daughter, niece, sister, granddaughter and the best friend anyone could encounter."

MORE:

• Father Charged In Killing Of 17-Year-Old Mia Maro Of Tinley Park
• Father Accused Of Killing Teen Beat Her With Pole, Mallet: Court
• Hundreds Donate, Wear Green To Help Family Of Slain Tinley Park Teen

According to family members, Mia was one of her mother's primary caretakers after the woman suffered a brain injury that left her in a wheelchair and in need of full-time care. The family is raising money through an online fundraiser for funeral expenses and funds to hire additional help for the mother.

Court documents released last week alleged Almaru beat his daughter to death because he thought she was hiding things from him. According to the Crisis Center of South Suburbia, the incident is a reality for many women and children across the south suburbs.

"We work hard to provide domestic violence prevention and education at local high schools through our Safe Start program, but as a community we need to be vigilant and watch for signs of domestic violence, especially because it's not always at the hands of an intimate partner," wrote Pam Kostecki, executive director of the Crisis Center. "We need to be there when someone is in trouble before another life is lost or traumatized."

Mia's funeral and burial services will be private, family said. However, residents are invited to a visitation service from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Colonial Chapel in Orland Park.

Family asks that, in lieu of flowers, those who are able, donate to Mia's GoFundMe campaign.

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