Tinley Park father Maher Kassem killed his wife and three daughters in basement of their home during fight over money – but spared 19-year-old son who witnessed the murders

Tinley Park father Maher Kassem shot his wife and three daughters dead in the basement of their home during an angry argument over finances. He then told police that “the money hungry b***h made me do it.”

Kassem, 63, told police he had recently retired after working “all his life” to give his family a “better home.” He said he felt unappreciated by his wife Majeda and daughters Halema and Zahia, 25, and Hanan, 24.

He told police his wife was “worried about money and where she could take it,” complaining, “45 years, 45 years… I worked 45 years and she treated me like a dog.”

It is suspected that the family had a liquor store nearby.

On Sunday morning, his 19-year-old son heard the argument and his father stomped up and down the stairs from the basement.

Halema and Zahia Kassem, 25, were murdered yesterday in their Tinley Park home, along with their mother and younger sister

After hearing the first gunshots, the son rushed to the basement where he saw his sisters’ bodies on the floor.

He then saw his father shoot his mother seven times.

All three daughters were shot in the head. One was also shot in the back, with the bullet leaving her body through her chin.

Maher then called 911 and told them his wife “had been shot,” but did not admit to committing the murders himself.

When police arrived on the scene, he gave more details, telling them, “I’m the only one… I’m going to jail.”

Thirteen shell casings were found at the scene, along with two weapons: a .38mm revolver and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

The gun was found under the coffee table in the living room, next to an empty magazine.

The .38mm revolver was found behind a couch cushion, with four spent shell casings in the cylinder and two live bullets.

According to prosecutors, it initially involved an argument between Maher and one of his 25-year-old daughters.

Kassem told police he worked his “whole life” to give his family a better home, but was treated “like a dog” by them

The other daughters and wife later got involved and told him to “calm down” when he exploded.

The devout Muslim family is now mourned by the community.

Maher Kassem, 63, has been charged with the murder of his wife and three daughters

A friend and former colleague of Zahia’s told DailyMail..com that she had confided in her in the past about her ‘mentally ill’ father.

Friends say the family were devout Muslims and Palestinian activists. Zahia, who also passed by Zee, had recently visited Mecca.

Their mother Majeda dedicated her life to ‘family and religion’, according to a fundraising site dedicated to completing a mosque in Mali in memory of the family.

Hanan, 24, was a speech therapy student, according to her friends.

‘She was always a helping hand and had her special way of making people feel like they belonged. She was always so thoughtful and considerate with her supportive words.

“Her heart had a special place for her family, and she will be greatly missed,” a friend said during the fundraiser for the mosque.

Friends of Halema, Zahia, Hannan and Majeda Kassem, who were murdered on Sunday, bring flowers and candles to the side of Kassem’s house, on Monday, January 22, 2024