17-year-old girl died after her father went out of control when discovering messages on her phone that led him to distrust her and beat her with a metal pole and a rubber mallet; father sentenced
Illinois – In a deeply disturbing case that shook Illinois residents, a 44-year-old father, identified as M. Almaru, has been sentenced to 55 years in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder following the death of his 17-year-old daughter, identified as M. Maro, in a distressing event that seemed to stem from a disagreement over her attending prom. A jury, needing only an hour to deliberate, handed down their guilty verdict in August, in connection with the incident that occurred in May 2022.
The grim details of the incident emerged when Maro’s aunt discovered her lifeless body at the family home on May 1, 2022. The scene was horrifying; Mia was found beaten to death, with signs all over her body indicating she was a victim of a savage attack. The prosecutors detailed how Almaru used a rubber mallet and a metal pole, both found at the scene, to beat his daughter. The tools of this heinous act, one coated in blood, were recovered from the garage and kitchen, painting a gruesome picture of the violence Mia endured.
Adding to the tragedy, Almaru was also found at the scene, suffering from self-inflicted injuries after attempting to end his own life by ingesting pills. His state of despair was later articulated in a remorseful confession to a family member.“I lost my mind, went out of control and beat the s— out of her,” he wrote. “I f—ed up big time I’m sorry.”
The motive behind this brutal act was reportedly linked to Mia’s desire to attend her high school prom—a request her father initially permitted but later retracted. Almaru had looked through her phone and found messages that led him to distrust her. This discovery reportedly fueled his anger and led to the tragic outcome. Court documents revealed that Mia feared her father, even texting relatives days before her death about her concerns that he might “beat her” or even “kill her” following a minor car accident.
Mia, described as “a beautiful soul and the light of our lives” by her aunt on a GoFundMe page, was more than just a daughter and a friend. She was also the primary caregiver to her incapacitated mother, a role she took on with dedication and love.
After the jury’s conviction, Almaru was handed a 55-year prison sentence, ensuring he will likely spend the remainder of his life behind bars. The judge decreed that Almaru will receive credit for the more than two years already spent in custody but emphasized that he must serve the full term. Following the sentencing, Almaru’s legal team sought a new trial and reconsideration of the sentence; however, these appeals were denied, closing this tragic chapter of legal proceedings.
The case has left an indelible mark on the community, highlighting the devastating impact of domestic violence and the often hidden dangers that can escalate into unthinkable tragedy. The legal resolution brings little solace but serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of such acts of violence within a family.
