Mohammed Almaru has been charged with fatally beating his 17-year-old daughter Mia Maro at their home in southwest suburban Chicago, authorities announced.
WFLD-TV reported that the 42-year-old Illinois man was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Maro, who was found dead on Sunday, May 1, in the basement of their home with bruises all over her body. Investigators said that physical evidence at the scene of the crime included a metal pole and a rubber mallet.
Tinley Park police Chief Matthew Walsh told reporters on Wednesday, May 4, that Almaru had self-inflicted wounds to both his wrists and throat when found by cops. He was also under the influence of narcotics when police officers arrived at his residence.
Maro scheduled to graduate from high school on May 21
According to WLS-TV, Maro's unfortunate death comes as the teenager was scheduled to graduate from high school on May 21. Walsh said that what happened to Maro was tragic. The police chief said that she was a kid who was getting ready to get out of high school, go to prom and get on with her life but sadly now it is not going to happen.
Walsh said he did not know how many people were in the home of Almaru at the time of Maro's death or whether anyone tried to prevent the apparent attack on the teen. Walsh added that Almaru's sister was the one who called 911 about the attack.
According to Walsh, Almaru was hospitalized after he was found by the cops and has been unable to appear in court for a bond hearing. Walsh added that Almaru has not been cooperating with authorities.
Walsh said that they were able to obtain enough evidence, in working with the state's attorney for a couple of days, where they were comfortable charging Almaru with first-degree murder.
Court documents showed Maro and Almaru having a disagreement on April 28
WMAQ reported that during the police investigation, they uncovered a letter that Almaru allegedly wrote to his son after the death of Maro, in addition to the text messages from his sisters that show them attempting to contact his teen daughter.
Court documents also alleged that Maro and Almaru had a disagreement on April 28 over the teen attending her prom at Victor J. Andrew High School. Documents stated that Almaru originally gave Maro permission to attend the dance but then changed his mind, saying that he did not trust his daughter.
Mayor Michael Glotz issued a statement regarding the beating, saying "On behalf of the entire Village of Tinley Park, I'd like to offer my sincerest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Mia. By all accounts, she was a lovely young woman at the very beginning of her life, a life that she will now never get to fulfill. To her family, friends and fellow students at Andrew High School, we mourn her passing with you."
