Arizona Jails Iraqi Driver Accused of Running Down Daughter With His Car

[Team Sergeant]

Terrorism, Premeditated, politically and religiously motivated violence...

Arizona Jails Iraqi Driver Accused of Running Down Daughter With His Car
Sunday, November 01, 2009

PEORIA, Ariz. — An Iraqi immigrant accused of running down his daughter with his car because she was becoming "too Westernized" was returned to Arizona Saturday to face aggravated assault charges.

Faleh Almaleki was arrested Thursday when he arrived at Atlanta's airport, sent from the United Kingdom after authorities denied him entrance. He was returned to the Phoenix-area city of Peoria, booked and taken to a county jail.

He is accused of striking and then running over his 20-year-old daughter and her boyfriend's mother with his Jeep on Oct. 20 as the women were walking across a Peoria parking lot.

Noor Almaleki remains hospitalized in serious condition after undergoing spinal surgery. The other woman, Amal Khalaf, is in serious but stable condition, according to family members.

Police said the Almalekis moved to Peoria from Iraq in the mid-1990s.

Family members said Noor Almaleki had been living with her boyfriend and Khalaf, and Faleh Almaleki was upset that his daughter had become too "Westernized," had failed to live by traditional Muslim values and had disrespected the family.

After the incident, authorities said Almaleki went to Mexico. He eventually flew to London, but United Kingdom Port of Entry authorities denied him entry into the country.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,570852,00.html

[Team Sergeant]

This is no longer "islamic honor killings", it's islamic terrorism and should be treated as such. It's OK, it's just part of being good muslim. Funny, I didn't see anyone condemning this islamic killing/murder.

islam, such a peaceful religion.

TS


'Westernized' Woman Allegedly Hit by Dad's Car Dies
Tuesday, November 03, 2009

PHOENIX — A young Iraqi woman whose father allegedly hit her with his car because she had become too Westernized died from her injuries Monday after lying in a coma for nearly two weeks.

Noor Faleh Almaleki, 20, underwent spinal surgery and had been in a hospital since Oct. 20, when police say her father ran down her and her boyfriend's mother with his Jeep as the women were walking across a parking lot in the west Phoenix suburb of Peoria.

The other woman, Amal Khalaf, is expected to survive.

Faleh Hassan Almaleki, 48, fled after the attack but was arrested Thursday when he arrived at Atlanta's airport, where he was sent from the United Kingdom after authorities denied him entrance.

Peoria police interviewed him and brought him back to Arizona over the weekend, but have declined to release what Almaleki said to them.

At a court hearing over the weekend in Phoenix, county prosecutor Stephanie Low told a judge that Almaleki admitted to committing the crime.

"By his own admission, this was an intentional act and the reason was that his daughter had brought shame on him and his family," Low said. "This was an attempt at an honor killing."

[P36]

RIP Noor. beautiful name, BTW. To be killed by one's own father. Sigh.

[Susa]

This just shows the mentality (or lack there of) of a huge percentage of those in this world. This is what we(or more precisely- you gents) are up against. How do you reason with the kind of man that will kill his own beautiful daughter?? They are not men, they are beasts. Obviously no regard what so ever for human life.. not even that which he had created. This is going to be (or should be) a huge trial and should be used as a clear and deliberate message to those who believe in "honor killings" that justice in this country prevails.This kind of $#!* will not be tolerated. I'm hoping for a death sentence for daddy dearest. It should not be lost on those prosecuting this case that the world will be watching. The muslim world will be watching and the muslims in this country will be watching. At the very least he should be sent to old Sheriff Joe down there in AZ. I'm sure he can find a cage for this beast.

[LongWire]

Damn Shame............

There is no way to reason with this, since this is acceptable behavior from their perspective. To them it is reasonable. To us it reprehensible.

We should be trying to reason with those in this country who feel that we can all just get along with this kind of gross behavior.

I'm with TS......There is no Honor in this premeditated terrorism/murder of ones own kin.

[wet dog]

This is going to be (or should be) a huge trial and should be used as a clear and deliberate message to those who believe in "honor killings" that justice in this country prevails. The muslim world will be watching and the muslims in this country will be watching.

Bet you a Buffalo nickel the press will sway little about "Honor Killings", although it will be tried in court, not much will be said about Muslim law.

And world will be watching.

[SF-TX]

Interesting. Perhaps the issue of honor killings will be discussed in a Maricopa, County courthouse.

Man charged with murder in 'honor killing'
Almaleki accused of running over daughter

by Dustin Gardiner - Dec. 22, 2009 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

An Iraqi immigrant accused of slaying his daughter in an "honor killing" has been charged with first-degree murder and could face the death penalty, Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas said Monday.

Faleh Hassan Almaleki, 48, of Glendale, is accused of using his Jeep Cherokee to run over his daughter, 20-year-old Noor Almaleki, and another woman in a Peoria parking lot on Oct. 20. His daughter died of her injuries.

Almaleki was reportedly furious with his daughter for becoming "too Westernized," police said.

Prosecutors have labeled Noor Almaleki's death an "honor killing," saying the elder Almaleki killed his daughter because she dishonored the family by not following traditional Iraqi or Muslim values.

She reportedly married a man in Iraq and returned to Arizona to live with a boyfriend and his mother in Surprise.

Thomas announced Almaleki was also being charged with attempted first-degree murder in the attack on his daughter's friend, Amal Khalaf, 43. Khalaf is the boyfriend's mother and is expected to recover from her injuries, police said.

Almaleki was charged with two additional felony counts for leaving the scene of a serious injury accident.

Thomas said his office is still determining whether to seek the death penalty for Almaleki. He called the case "tragic," saying the county will prosecute Almaleki to the full extent.

At Almaleki's initial court appearance on Oct. 31, county prosecutor Stephanie Low said he admitted deliberately running down his daughter.

"By his own admission, this was an intentional act, and the reason was that his daughter had brought shame on him and his family," Low said. "This was an attempt at an honor killing."

Almaleki was a fugitive for about a week, fleeing for Mexico and later taking a plane to London, investigators said.

He was detained by British authorities and extradited.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2009/12/22/20091222honorkill1222.html#

[Pete]

It is clear that all cultures are equal. Who are we to say that a Muslim killing his dughter is wrong? He should be set free immediately and the county officials apologize to all people of different religions.

[SF-TX]

Arizona: Father who murdered daughter in honor killing will not face death penalty so that "there is no appearance that a Christian is seeking to execute a Muslim"

Faleh Almaleki murdered his daughter, but we wouldn't want to appear Islamophobic. Would a non-Muslim who ran down his daughter in a car be spared the death penalty? Do you wonder about the answer? "Dad accused in 'honor killing' will not face death penalty," by Dustin Gardiner in The Arizona Republic, February 19 (thanks to Jed Babbin):

A Glendale man accused of slaying his daughter in an "honor killing" will not face the death penalty.

After sparring with the suspect's defense attorney over its death penalty review process, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office has said it will not seek death for Faleh Almaleki, 49.

The Iraqi immigrant is accused of slaying his daughter, 20-year-old Noor Almaleki, for being "too Westernized."

Police say he used his Jeep Cherokee to run down his daughter and another woman in a Peoria parking lot Oct. 20. Noor Almaleki later died of her injuries.

Almaleki is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault and two counts of leaving the scene of a serious accident. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The decision not to seek the death penalty comes after Almaleki's attorney, Billy Little, a public defender, asked a judge to take special precautions to ensure the County Attorney's Office wouldn't wrongly seek the death penalty because Almaleki is a Muslim.:confused:

Little requested that the office make public the process it uses to determine whether to seek capital punishment.

"An open process provides some level of assurance that there is no appearance that a Christian is seeking to execute a Muslim for racial, political, religious or cultural beliefs," Little wrote, referring to County Attorney Andrew Thomas' Christian faith....

Prosecutors said Almaleki has admitted killing his daughter because she disgraced the family by not following traditional Iraqi or Muslim values.

They liken the case to honor killings that occur in the Middle East, Africa and other parts of the world. In tribal societies where the practice occurs, male family members feel they must kill a rebellious female relative who shames them by not adhering to traditional values.

Noor Almaleki had reportedly married a man in Iraq and returned to Arizona to live with a boyfriend and his mother in Surprise, police said.


http://www.jihadwatch.org/2010/02/arizona-father-who-murdered-daughter-in-honor-killing-will-not-face-death-penalty-so-that-there-is-n.html

[Gypsy]

The decision not to seek the death penalty comes after Almaleki's attorney, Billy Little, a public defender, asked a judge to take special precautions to ensure the County Attorney's Office wouldn't wrongly seek the death penalty because Almaleki is a Muslim.:confused:



How about giving him the death penalty because the no good SOB murdered his daughter. You want to do honor killings? Go back to your own f'ing country and do it.

I cannot believe people are falling for this crap. More PC bull for the world to swallow.

Excuse me while I go gag. :rolleyes:

[The Reaper]

Not a lawyer, but how is this not premeditated murder, plain and simple?

TR

[craigepo]

If I might interject a point quickly regarding a death penalty prosecution:

A death penalty case is probably the toughest case to prove in the American judicial system. Every single part of the case is subjected to amazingly tight scrutiny. This is done for a good reason: if there is a screw-up and the defendant only goes to jail, the problem is fixable. However, if the defendant is executed, and then we find out that there was other evidence, or the defense attorney was drunk, etc., can't fix the problem.

To prove a capital murder case, the state must prove that defendant planned to kill victim, and did in fact so do. However, the state must also prove at least one "aggravating factor", i.e. the victim was a policeman in the line of duty, murder-for-hire, etc. I attach the statute which lays out Arizona's statutory aggravating factors here. http://law.onecle.com/arizona/criminal-code/13-751.html

The article seemed to infer that the judge made the decision not to proceed with the capital case, which would be highly unusual, as it is generally the prosecutor's decision on how to proceed. However, the attached article shows that the prosecution filed the motion to not seek the death penalty. http://www.realcourage.org/2010/02/arizona-noor-almaleki-trial/

I realize that this is not the answer that many would look for in a case such as this, but this is the law. As murder cases are very tough, it would make the case even tougher for the prosecution to try this case as a capital murder case, and to do so if the prosecution knows they do not have sufficient facts would be detrimental.

[armymom1228]

. However, the attached article shows that the prosecution filed the motion to not seek the death penalty. http://www.realcourage.org/2010/02/arizona-noor-almaleki-trial/

I realize that this is not the answer that many would look for in a case such as this, but this is the law. As murder cases are very tough, it would make the case even tougher for the prosecution to try this case as a capital murder case, and to do so if the prosecution knows they do not have sufficient facts would be detrimental.

Your Honor, with all due respect, I think that not proceeding with the death penalty based on religion sets a dangerous precedent for other previous cases to be retried bases on religious discrimmination.

How can the prosecution not prove thier case? The accused has admitted that they killed the victim and did so with premeditation. While I don't think it is a slamdunk. I do think the prosecution stands a fairly decent chance of winning this one.
The prosecutor has no choice but to bring both ethnic culture and religion in the mix. It is going to be interesting if nothing else.
AM

[craigepo]

Good morning Armymom
The point I was trying to make was not that the State couldn't win a murder case, but that it might be very difficult to win a capital murder case. This of course depends upon the facts, but the State MUST, in addition to proving premeditated murder, prove facts that show one of the aggravating factors listed in the statute to get the death penalty(in lieu of a lesser sentence for basic first-degree murder).

I realize that this is clear as mud. Honestly, about 1% of attorneys realize the distinction in capital murder and first-degree murder. And about 1/10th of 1% of attorneys are capable of trying a capital case(in some jurisdictions the attorney has to have capital-case experience to represent a defendant charged with capital murder).

[Sacamuelas]

Excellent post Craigepo. Your post dampens the emotions that we all have when reading about this case and delivers, IMO, a logical basis for what was decided.

[Pete]

Since she was just a girl and her father ran her down and killed her its not that big a deal.

Too bad she didn't go to LEO school first. That way when her dad ran her down - well, then he would be in big trouble.

As with hate crimes I have a problem on the law not being equal.

It should not matter on what you where thinking - it should be on what you did.

It should not matter on what the person did while you killed them - but that you killed them.

Everbody is equal in the eyes of the law? Not hardly.

[armymom1228]

Good morning Armymom
The point I was trying to make was not that the State couldn't win a murder case, but that it might be very difficult to win a capital murder case. This of course depends upon the facts, but the State MUST, in addition to proving premeditated murder, prove facts that show one of the aggravating factors listed in the statute to get the death penalty(in lieu of a lesser sentence for basic first-degree murder).

I realize that this is clear as mud. Honestly, about 1% of attorneys realize the distinction in capital murder and first-degree murder. And about 1/10th of 1% of attorneys are capable of trying a capital case(in some jurisdictions the attorney has to have capital-case experience to represent a defendant charged with capital murder).

So to have 1st degree murder jacked up to 'capitol' murder one has to not only prove premeditation but also have one of the factors below?

Arizona-
(1)The defendant has been convicted of another offense in the US for which under Arizona law a sentence of life imprisonment or death was imposable
(2)The defendant has been or was previously convicted of a serious offense, whether preparatory or completed.
(3)In the commission of the offense the defendant knowingly created a grave risk of death to another person or persons in addition to the victim of the offense.
(4)The defendant procured the commission of the offense by payment, or promise of payment, of anything of pecuniary value.
(5)The defendant committed the offense as consideration for the receipt, or in expectation of the receipt, of anything of pecuniary value.
(6)The defendant committed the offense in an especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner.
(7)The defendant committed the offense while: (a) In the custody of or on authorized or unauthorized release from the state department of corrections, a law enforcement agency or a county or city jail. (b) On probation for a felony offense
(8)The defendant has been convicted of one or more other homicides, as defined, which were committed during the commission of the offense
(9)The defendant was an adult at the time the offense was committed or was tried as an adult and the murdered person was under fifteen years of age or was seventy years of age or older
(10)The murdered individual was an on duty peace officer who was killed in the course of performing his official duties and the defendant knew, or should have known, that the victim was a peace officer
(11)The defendant committed the offense with the intent to promote, further or assist the objectives of a criminal street gang or criminal syndicate or to join a criminal street gang or criminal syndicate
(12)The defendant committed the offense to prevent a person’s cooperation with an official law enforcement investigation, to prevent a person’s testimony in a court proceeding, in retaliation for a person’s cooperation with an official law enforcement investigation or in retaliation for a person’s testimony in a court proceeding
(13)The offense was committed in a cold, calculated manner without pretense of moral or legal justification
(14)The defendant used a remote stun gun or an authorized remote stun gun in the commission of the offense
(15)The defendant engaged in terrorism
(16)The defendant committed burglary in the second degree
(17)The defendant was an adult and the murdered person was an unborn child in the womb at any stage of its development

So, in Arizona, you can do in a Judge and merely get lifein jail, not the death penalty.. :D:D

I highlighted the 'factors' that, to me, would be what would make it a 'capital' case. However proving either might be difficult. I would, go for just plain old 1st degree murder and ask for life with no parole. Because I knew I could win the case.
Just my opinion, what do I know, I am just a nerd girl. :munchin

[Pete]

If I might interject a point quickly regarding a death penalty prosecution:

A death penalty case is probably the toughest case to prove in the American judicial system. Every single part of the case is subjected to amazingly tight scrutiny. This is done for a good reason: if there is a screw-up and the defendant only goes to jail, the problem is fixable. However, if the defendant is executed, and then we find out that there was other evidence, or the defense attorney was drunk, etc., can't fix the problem.

To prove a capital murder case, the state must prove that defendant planned to kill victim, and did in fact so do. However, the state must also prove at least one "aggravating factor", i.e. the victim was a policeman in the line of duty, murder-for-hire, etc. I attach the statute which lays out Arizona's statutory aggravating factors here. http://law.onecle.com/arizona/criminal-code/13-751.html

The article seemed to infer that the judge made the decision not to proceed with the capital case, which would be highly unusual, as it is generally the prosecutor's decision on how to proceed. However, the attached article shows that the prosecution filed the motion to not seek the death penalty. http://www.realcourage.org/2010/02/arizona-noor-almaleki-trial/

I realize that this is not the answer that many would look for in a case such as this, but this is the law. As murder cases are very tough, it would make the case even tougher for the prosecution to try this case as a capital murder case, and to do so if the prosecution knows they do not have sufficient facts would be detrimental.

This is our own little rundown story here in Fayetteville. Happened back in 2004.

"Shareef found guilty of murder"

http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2010/03/17/984126

"......The jury deliberated nearly 14 hours over four days before finding Shareef guilty of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

He was found not guilty of attempted first-degree murder of Robert Fortier.

In all, Shareef, 31, was convicted of 10 charges stemming from his road rampage in Cumberland and Harnett counties on the morning of April 14, 2004. Those include nine felonies and one misdemeanor.

Doctors have diagnosed Shareef as paranoid schizophrenic; he had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. today.

Lawyers for the prosecution and the defense may present additional evidence for the jury to consider. Both sides are expected to complete any testimony today.

The jury will then determine whether Shareef is sentenced to death or life in prison without parole on the murder charge........"

So Folks, it can be done. The sentence of life or death is yet to come but he was found quilty.

[Masochist]

Why do many (of any religion) claim that they are sane when following their respective deity's word, but when it lands them in trouble with the law, claim insanity? :confused:

[SF-TX]

Faleh Hassan Almaleki was convicted of 2nd degree murder.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/22/jury-convicts-iraqi-immigrant-honor-killing/

[The Reaper]

Faleh Hassan Almaleki was convicted of 2nd degree murder.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/22/jury-convicts-iraqi-immigrant-honor-killing/

Too bad.

He should have been convicted of first degree murder and hanged by the neck till dead.

TR

[Pete]

Iraqi immigrant gets 34 years for killing 'too Westernized' daughter

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/04/15/arizona.honor.killing/index.html?hpt=T2

"CNN) -- An Arizona judge sentenced an Iraqi immigrant on Friday to more than 34 years in prison, about two months after his conviction for running over his 20-year-old daughter because he claimed she'd become "too Westernized."......"

[Team Sergeant]

Premeditated murder, killed with a car instead of a gun or cutting her head off.

With good behavior he'll be out of jail in ten years or less.


Sure glad we sent the islamic/muslim community a clear message on this type of murder.:rolleyes:

[BrokenSwitch]

There can be any number of reasons for not going for the death penalty, but some kind of politically-correct sensitivity shouldn't be one of them. On the flip side, I'm not sure whether I'm happier that they at least said it openly instead of whitewashing it, or if I'm angrier that it's an issue at all. :confused:

[Ret10Echo]

There are several threads on the topic of Honor Killings...

Thought this article was interesting...from Spiegel Online (International version of the German paper) here (http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,777997,00.html)


08/02/2011

Lenient Courts
German Justice Slammed in Honor Killing Study
By Johannes Korge

What drives families to commit 'honor killings?' Who are the killers and where do they come from? A new study commissioned by the German police has found that the killers are almost always first-generation immigrants from poor backgrounds, that cases aren't increasing and that courts are making mistakes in their handling of them.

[SF-TX]

The mother of Noor al-Maleki said she got "...what she needs. "

Partial transcript of the phone conversation:

In a conversation with Peoria Police immediately following the hit and run, Seham, Faleh's wife, seems to sanction her husband's actions.

"Who said my husband..maybe it's not my husband..this woman, she's a liar because she's dirty," she said.

Detective Bill Laing then asked her, "..if it's not your husband, then where is he?"

Sayim replied, "I don't know."

Laing said, "Your daughter is about close to dying...she's in critical condition."

Sayim said, "Oh..okay..tell her thank ou [sic] Amal..thank you, that's what she needs."

"You are a sick individual," said Laing.

LINK (http://www.jihadwatch.org/2011/08/mother-of-arizona-honor-killing-victim-on-hearing-her-daughter-was-barely-alive-oh-okay-tell-her-tha.html)

The phone conversation between the detective and Noor's mother can be heard in the video embedded in the article.

[BrokenSwitch]

I just found this in a Muslim Student Association newsletter. The irony was overwhelming.