State’s Attorney Glasgow Announces Joseph Czuba Found Guilty of Hate Crime Murder (Joliet, IL) – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announces that Joseph Czuba, 73 of Plainfield, was found guilty of First-Degree Murder (a Class M felony), Attempt First Degree Murder (a Class X felony), Aggravated Battery (Class 3 felonies), and Hate Crime (Class 4 felonies) following a jury trial before Circuit Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak. Sentencing and post-trial motions are scheduled for May 2, 2025.
On October 14, 2023, the Will County Sheriff’s Police responded to the residence of 16201 S Lincoln Highway in Plainfield after Hanan Shaheen called 911 indicating the defendant, Joseph Czuba was killing her baby with a knife. Upon arrival, police located the victim, Wadee Alfayoumi (age 6) unresponsive lying on a bed with multiple stab wounds to the chest and a knife in his abdomen. Deputies made contact with Wadee’s mother, Hanan who had multiple stab wounds from the defendant. Hanan indicated she and Wadee lived at the defendant’s residence where they rented two rooms. On the day of the attack, the defendant forced his way into Hanan’s bedroom and attacked her with a large knife. Hanan was able to lock herself into the bathroom where she waited for help. While Hanan was in the bathroom, the defendant proceeded to attack Wadee stabbing him 26 times until he succumbed to his injuries. In the days leading up to the fatal altercation, the defendant expressed concern over the Hamas/Israel conflict and had asked Hanan to move out because she and Wadee were Muslim.
Czuba is eligible for a mandatory prison sentence of 20 to 60 years to be served at 100% or discretionary life.
Glasgow thanked Assistant State’s Attorneys, Michael Fitzgerald, Christopher Koch, Christine Vukmir, Investigators Patrick Cardwell, Shawn Filipiak, and Scott Lustik, Victim Witness Advocate Dannette Pasdertz, Administrative Assistant Nancy Nelson, IT Specialist Braulio Guzman, the Will County Sheriff’s Police and the Plainfield Police Department for their dedication in this matter.
State’s Attorney Glasgow Announces Joseph Czuba Found Guilty of Hate Crime Murder
