Crime

Three Young Muslims Murdered In Chapel Hill

by Emily McCord

The killings of Deah Shaddy Barakat, his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21, both of Chapel Hill, and and Abu-Salha's sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, of Raleigh, has sparked outrage and raised questions as to the motivation of the crime.
 
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UPDATE 12:33 p.m.
Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt has issued a statement:

Our community has been rocked by a horrible crime with the shootings of three young people. On behalf of the Chapel Hill community, I ask that you join with me in remembering the parents, family and friends of Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, in your thoughts and prayers. I offer them my heartfelt condolences. 

The assailant is in custody after turning himself into police. I have full confidence this crime is being thoroughly investigated. The Chapel Hill Police Department is using all available resources to determine whether hate was a motivating factor. All we know for certain at this time is that it was a senseless and tragic act surrounding a longstanding dispute.

I share strong feelings of outrage and shock with my fellow citizens and University students -- as well as concerned people everywhere. We do not know whether anti-Muslim bias played a role in this crime, but I do recognize the fear that members of our community may feel.  Chapel Hill is a place for everyone, a place where Muslim lives matter.

These deaths represent an incomprehensible loss. I believe that we can find strength by acknowledging the fear and outrage that this act instills, coming together to ask difficult questions, and lifting up all people in our community who are hurting.

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.
The Council On American-Islamic Relations issued a statement on Tuesday's murders:
"Based on the brutal nature of this crime, the past anti-religion statements of the alleged perpetrator, the religious attire of two of the victims, and the rising anti-Muslim rhetoric in American society, we urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to quickly address speculation of a possible bias motive in this case," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "Our heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of the victims and to the local community."
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Officials say three people who were shot to death at a condominium complex near the University of North Carolina campus were relatives and university students. 

 

A police statement says the victims in Tuesday's shooting were 23-year-old Deah Shaddy Barakat and 21-year-old Yusor Mohammad, both of Chapel Hill, and 19-year-old Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, of Raleigh.

 
UNC said Wednesday in a statement that Barakat and Mohammad were married and Abu-Salha was Mohammad's sister.
 
UNC says Barakat was a second-year dental student there. Yusor was scheduled to begin dental studies in the fall. UNC also says Abu-Salha was a student at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. 
 
Forty-six-year-old Craig Stephen Hicks has been arrested and charged with three counts of murder. He is expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday morning.
 
Police have not released a motive or other details.
 

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