17-year-old Mia Maro killed by father after an argument about attending prom.
Mohammed Almaru, aged 44, received a 55-year prison sentence on October 7 for the tragic beating death of his 17-year-old daughter, Mia Maro, which occurred in May 2022.
An Illinois father has been sentenced to decades in prison for the tragic killing of his teenage daughter following a dispute about her attending prom, as reported by various news outlets. Mohammed Almaru, 44, received a 55-year prison sentence on October 7 for the beating death of his 17-year-old daughter, Mia Maro, in May 2022. He was found guilty of first-degree murder in August, according to reports from Fox 32, WGN-TV, and CBS News. On the evening of May 1, 2022, Mia was discovered deceased in their home in Tinley Park, Illinois. Court documents reveal that when police arrived, Almaru had inflicted wounds on himself and had taken pills in what appeared to be a suicide attempt.
An autopsy indicated that the 17-year-old had significant bruising on her arms, legs, skull, and face, as reported in court documents referenced by WGN-TV. It also showed that Maro experienced severe brain hemorrhaging and bleeding. According to the outlet, which cites court documents, Almaru struck his daughter in the head several times using a metal pole and a rubber mallet, both of which were discovered at the scene with the girl's blood on them.
Prosecutors allege that Almaru violently assaulted his teenage daughter following a disagreement about her attending prom, as detailed in court documents referenced by Fox 32. Initially, he had permitted her to go but later revoked his approval, stating he “did not trust her,” according to the report. WGN-TV's court documents indicate that after examining the teen's phone, Almaru suspected she was hiding things from him and felt he needed to “beat the information out of her.” In the days leading up to her tragic death, Maro reached out to a family member expressing fear that her father might “beat” or “kill” her, as reported by Fox 32.
Authorities noted in court documents that Almaru admitted to the murder on the day it occurred, texting one of his sons, "I lost my mind, went out of control and beat her… I f***ed up big time I'm sorry,” according to Fox 32. Despite this, Almaru maintained that his daughter's death was accidental, as per court records cited by WGN-TV. Maro was just weeks away from graduating from Victor Andrew High School, the report stated. Additionally, court records mentioned by Fox 32 revealed that the teen had been providing constant care for her mother, who experienced a medical emergency in 2019.
Mia was a wonderful daughter, niece, sister, granddaughter, and the most incredible friend anyone could have, according to the fundraiser's description. It mentions that Mia's mother became unable to care for herself three years ago, which made Mia mature faster than most. At just 15, she took on the responsibility of caring for her mother, doing so with immense love and patience. Those who had the joy of knowing Mia truly cherished her.
