Palestinian 'activist' who killed wife and 3 daughters said shooting was over family finances: Illinois prosecutors

Authorities have not determined motive of a Muslim father, who has been described as a Palestinian activist by friends, that is accused of killing his wife and three daughters at their home in Tinley Park, Illinois. Prosecutors have revealed that when brought in for questioning, he admitted that he was upset about how he had been treated by his family and that they had been arguing about family finances at the time. 

Maher Kassem, 63, was charged with four counts of first-degree murder following the January 21 quadruple homicide, which claimed the lives of Majeda Kassem, 53, Hanan Kassem, 24, and 25-year-old twins Halema and Zahia Kassem. 

According to CBS News, prosecutors said that the massacre took place following an argument between Kassem and one of his daughters. His wife and other daughters attempted to de-escalate the situation, and that's when he opened fire. 

Kassem allegedly shot his wife seven times before stepping over her body and shooting three of his daughters twice. At that moment, his 19-year-old son walked into the living room and witnessed his third sister be shot to death. He was unharmed and has been named as a witness in the case. 

Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Scott Clark stated that Kassem "was recorded volunteering things about having just retired." He said about his wife, "She treats me like a [expletive] dog'." 

Kassem was also heard saying, "I worked 40 years," and "I worked all my life to give my family a better home, and they treat me like [expletive]." 

According to Tinley Park Police Department Chief Tom Tilton, the family had never had any interaction with law enforcement prior to the deadly domestic violence incident. 

The victims were described by neighbors as "very intelligent," adding that they "had very high goals in life." 

Members of the community gathered at the Mosque Foundation in nearby Bridgeview to pray for the four women, who along with their father were Muslims of Palestinian descent. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, which drew even more mourners.