A 44-year-old Illinois man, Mohammed Almaru, has been handed a 55-year prison sentence for the horrific murder of his teenage daughter. Almaru was found guilty of first-degree murder in August, following the discovery of his 17-year-old daughter, Mia Maro’s lifeless body in their Tinley Park residence in May 2022.
Mia’s aunt discovered her body on May 1, 2022, bearing the marks of a savage assault, including extensive bruising. Investigators found a rubber mallet from the garage and a blood-stained metal pole from the kitchen at the crime scene, believed to be the weapons used in the attack.
In the aftermath of the horrifying act, Almaru attempted suicide by self-inflicted wounds and pill overdose. He later confessed to the crime in a text message to a family member, admitting that he had lost control and assaulted his daughter.
Family members revealed that a dispute over Mia’s attendance at her high school prom may have sparked Almaru’s violent rage. He had allegedly withdrawn his approval for her to attend the event after reading messages on her phone that raised his suspicions.
Court documents disclosed that Mia had previously expressed fear of her father’s volatile temper to her relatives. She had voiced concerns that he might harm or even kill her, especially after she was involved in a minor car accident.
Mia’s loved ones remembered her fondly. Her aunt, Randa Almaru, described her as a “beautiful soul” and “the light of our lives.” Mia had been the primary caregiver for her incapacitated mother, in addition to being a cherished daughter, sister, and friend.
The judge ruled that Almaru would serve his full sentence, considering the time he had already spent in custody. The court dismissed appeals for a new trial and a reconsideration of the sentence.
Almaru’s crime sent ripples of shock through the community and prematurely ended the life of a young woman who had a significant influence on those around her. As Almaru faces the repercussions of his actions, Mia’s family and friends continue to mourn and honor her memory.