Closing statements happened Monday in the murder trial of an Iraqi man, accused of running over and killing his own daughter.
Prosecutors call it an “honor killing,” but his defense team says it was simply an accident. Now, it’s up to the jury to decide.
Faleh Almaleki is on trial for first degree murder and attempted murder. Prosecutors say he killed his 20-year-old daughter Noor, and injured Amal Khalaf, running them both down with his SUV in 2009.
He allegedly was angry with his daughter for not adhering to strict Iraqi ways.
“Nobody can acquire honor by doing what is wrong. And what could more wrong and more dishonorable than a father ripping away life from his own daughter,” says prosecutor Laura Reckar.
During closing arguments, prosecutors described Almaleki’s actions as pre-mediated and intentional. They say he followed his daughter and plotted to kill her for becoming too westernized and disgracing their family.
“Taking the only weapon he had readily available to him, his 4,000-pound Jeep made of steel made of chrome made of rubber, with a face full of anger made the conscious decision to apply his foot to the accelerator and direct his weapon of choice,” says Reckart.
But his defense team argued that Almaleki ran over his daughter and her roommate by accident. He chose not to testify at his trial.
“Did he intend to hurt her? No. Did he intend to scare her? Maybe or something like that,” says defense attorney Jeff Kirchler. “When he came around and realized what he had done he panicked and he left.”
After the crash, Almaleki fled the country. He was later apprehended in London and extradited to Phoenix.
It is now up to the jury. Almaleki is not facing the death penalty.