Maher Kassem: Man charged for shooting dead wife and 3 daughters called 'mentally ill' by victim's friend

ILLINOIS, CHICAGO: A Chicago man who shot dead his wife and three daughters during an 'argument' at home on Sunday, January 21, in Tinley Park has been charged with murder.

Notably, Maher Kassem and his wife Majeda Kassem, 53, shared five children, including 25-year-old twin sisters Halema and Zahia, and their younger sister Hanan Kassem, 24.

Two unidentified sons were excluded from the tragic shooting incident as per Daily Mail.

Charges filed against Maher Kassem after shooting family members

Maher Kassem faces three murder charges in connection with the deaths of his wife, Majeda, and three daughters. Police indicate that he erupted in anger during a domestic incident at their residence, though the specific cause of the argument remains unclear.

Maher is currently in custody, awaiting his next court appearance. It's worth noting that Maher's family, known for their devout Muslim beliefs, is now being mourned by the community.

Daily Mail reported a friend and former colleague of Zahia saying that she confided in her in the past about her 'mentally ill' father.

Friends of the family describe them as dedicated Palestinian activists.

Some have asserted that Majeda, their mother, dedicated her life to family and religion. In contrast, Hanan, the 24-year-old speech pathology student, was described by her friends as always extending a helping hand and having a unique way of making people feel a sense of belonging.

They added, "She was always so thoughtful and considerate with her supportive words, Her held a special place for her family and she will be deeply missed"

Tinley Park police reported to crime scene after Maher called 911

Following a 911 call made by Maher at their Tinley Park residence around 11:30 am on Sunday, January 21, officers from the public safety department discovered the bodies of the women in the house.

Tinley Park, a village situated approximately 30 miles southwest of Chicago, became the location of this tragic incident. Despite initially reporting that his wife had been shot, Maher did not immediately admit culpability. 

Notably, the motive behind the incident remains unclear. Authorities assert that there had been no previous calls to the house, and neighbors expressed shock and disbelief at the tragic quadruple murder. 

Mayor Michael Glotz of Tinley Park characterized the killing of the four innocent women, all residing in the same home, as a senseless act of domestic violence.