Father charged with homicide of spouse and three daughters in Chicago suburb

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A 63-year-old man has been charged with 4 counts of first-degree homicide after allegedly taking pictures his spouse and three daughters useless at their house in a Chicago suburb.

Maher Kassem allegedly shot and killed his spouse Majeda Kassem, 53, his twin daughters Halema and Zahia Kassem, 25; and his youngest daughter Hanan Kassem, 24, after a verbal argument on Sunday morning.

He then referred to as 911 at about 11.20am to report that somebody had been shot inside the house, in accordance with the Tinley Park Public Security Division.

Officers responded to the house inside minutes and located the 4 ladies deceased in a decrease stage of the house. Officers took Mr Kassem into custody after he made statements associated to his involvement within the taking pictures.

Police additionally recovered the gun believed for use within the taking pictures, and mentioned on Monday that there was no additional risk to the general public.

The village of Tinley Park consists of roughly 55,000 folks and is positioned round 30 miles southwest of Chicago, Illinois.

Tinley Park Police Chief Tom Tilton advised reporters that the pressure had not skilled an incident of such scale beforehand. He praised officers for his or her fast response, having arrived three minutes and thirty seconds after the decision was dispatched.

“We wish to be sure that our investigation and the actions that we absorb reference to that investigation are as full and environment friendly as they will presumably be,” he mentioned.

Mr Tilton continued: “It’s troubling to come back throughout that tragic lack of life, and it’s troubling to course of and collect the proof.

“It’s not one thing that you’d suppose folks would ordinarily wish to do, however it must be completed, and we’ve to offer justice for our victims.”

Tinley Park mayor Michael Glotz mentioned: “Phrases can’t describe how deeply saddened I’m at this horrible tragedy. A mom and her three daughters are gone, murdered in an act of mindless home violence.

“Your entire Tinley Park neighborhood is heartbroken on the lack of these 4 harmless ladies and we grieve alongside the household, mates and neighbours who cherished them. This can be a troublesome day and a stark reminder of how rapidly home violence can escalate.”

Village supervisor Pat Carr advised reporters: “This was a really traumatic scene for everyone concerned and our focus is on the household and our first responders.”

Incidents comparable to this are classed as “home violence” when the incident happens inside the house. Home violence knowledgeable Pam Kostecki, mentioned that there was a 500 per cent enhance within the possibilities of lack of life when a firearm was concerned.

The household is thought to be of Palestinian descent and is Muslim. Nonetheless, the incident is at the moment not being handled as associated to faith.

In keeping with neighbors two grownup sons additionally stay within the house.