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Illinois Father Convicted of Murdering Daughter Over Prom Dispute

An Illinois man has been found guilty in the tragic death of his teenage daughter, stemming from a domestic dispute related to her plans for prom in 2022.

Mohammed Almaru, 42, from Tinley Park, was convicted of first-degree murder on August 16, following a brief deliberation by the jury that lasted under an hour, as confirmed by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The conviction comes in the wake of the death of his daughter, 17-year-old Mia Maro, who was a senior at Andrew High School at the time. The physical altercation occurred inside their residence on May 1, 2022, according to court documents.

Reports indicate that Almaru had initially permitted his daughter to attend the prom on April 29, 2022. However, he later rescinded this permission, expressing distrust toward her, which escalated tensions between them.

On that fateful day, one of Almaru’s sisters discovered Mia wrapped in a blanket, and Almaru was seated beside her, with one arm around her. Authorities described Mia’s condition as distressing, noting she had multiple bruises and significant injuries, suggesting that various objects were used in her assault.

Authorities stated that Mia suffered severe brain injuries characterized by extensive hemorrhaging. On discovering the incident, police found Almaru in distress alongside his daughter, reportedly with self-inflicted wounds to his wrist and neck.

Witness accounts depicted a chaotic scene as neighbors observed the aftermath, with emergency responders carrying Almaru away on a stretcher, while other relatives arrived at the home, highlighting the intense emotional turmoil surrounding the incident.

Police also revealed that Almaru had ingested pills prior to their arrival, requiring medical stabilization at a nearby hospital. In the days following the tragedy, Almaru sent a remorseful message to one of his sons, confessing that he “lost my mind” and “went out of control.”

Reports suggest that the conflict between Almaru and Mia may have been intensified by a prior incident in which Mia crashed her father’s car a week before her death. Additionally, it was noted that Mia’s mother had faced a serious medical emergency in 2019, which rendered her non-verbal and reliant on continuous care, adding to the strain on the family dynamics.

Mia was described by her family and friends as a dedicated student with aspirations of becoming a dental hygienist, highlighting the loss of potential and the impact of her death on her loved ones.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office indicated that Almaru’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 7, during which post-trial motions will be addressed.

If you suspect child abuse, you can reach out for help by calling the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453. The hotline operates 24/7 in more than 170 languages, ensuring confidentiality for those who seek support.

Source
people.com