TINLEY PARK, IL – A family tragedy unfolded in Tinley Park, Illinois, on Sunday. A mother and her three adult daughters were shot dead in their home, according to the local authorities.
The victims have been identified as 53-year-old Majeda Kassem and her daughters Halema, Hanan, and Zahia Kassem, ages 25, 24, and 25. Police responded to a 911 call about a shooting in a residence on the 7400 block of West 173rd Street shortly after 11 a.m. Upon arrival, they found the four women all shot and deceased at the scene.
In a statement to the media, Village Manager Pat Carr explained that a domestic incident was believed to be the impetus behind the fatal shooting. The suspect, a male arrested on the premises, is currently in police custody. The authorities also confirmed the recovery of the weapon used in the crime.
“This was isolated to this home,” clarified Carr, ensuring the local residents that there was no threat to the wider community. “There is only one suspect at this time, and we are confident that there is no threat to the general public in the area.”
Charlotte Vaitkus, a neighbor whose daughter was familiar with the family, provided additional information, stating that the household was composed of a husband and wife, their three daughters and two sons. She expressed shock over the incident, mentioning how highly her daughter regarded the twins, whom she had employed.
The motive behind the tragic events remains undetermined, with the investigation still underway. The police confirmed they had no previous records of disturbances or incidents involving the residence prior to the incident.