Illinois Man Pleads Not Guilty to Murder and Hate Crime Charges in Killing of Palestinian American Boy

Joseph Czuba, a 71-year-old man, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, and a hate crime in the stabbing attack that seriously injured a Palestinian American woman and killed her 6-year-old son. Czuba's public defender entered the pleas on his behalf, and he was ordered to remain detained. Prosecutors allege that Czuba targeted the victims because of their Muslim faith amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The mother, Hanaan Shahin, was released from the hospital and called for justice and peace. Czuba is scheduled to appear in court again on January 8th.