A Glendale man accused of slaying his daughter in an "honor killing" is scheduled to stand trial later this year. Faleh Almaleki, an Iraqi immigrant, is suspected of running down his daughter, 20-year-old Noor Almaleki, for being "too Westernized." He was reportedly furious with Noor for leaving her Iraqi husband, a cousin in an arranged marriage, and returning to the United States.
Police say Almaleki, 49, used his Jeep Cherokee to run over his daughter and another woman in a Peoria parking lot Oct. 20, 2009. Noor died of her injuries. The other victim, Noor's boyfriend's mother, survived.
After initially raising concerns about Almaleki's mental state and ability to understand court procedures, his public defenders have not attempted to stop the trial, which is to begin Nov. 29.
In January, Almaleki's former attorney said his client didn't understand basic court proceedings, and may need a mental-health evaluation. Almaleki was being treated at a county psychiatric unit as of late December and had been under suicide watch prior to that.
Almaleki is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault and two counts of leaving the scene of a serious accident. If convicted, he would likely spend the rest of his life in prison.
He has pleaded not guilty and remains in jail with bail set at $5 million.
Prosecutors said Almaleki has admitted killing his daughter because she disgraced the family by not following traditional Iraqi or Muslim values.
They liken the case to honor killings that occur in the Middle East, Africa and other parts of the world. In tribal societies where the practice occurs, male family members feel they must kill a rebellious relative who shames them by not adhering to traditional values.
The County Attorney's Office considered seeking the death penalty for Almaleki, but decided otherwise in February.
