5 Disturbing Facts Surrounding the Murder of Nada Huranieh

The 2017 murder of Nada Huranieh sent shockwaves through Farmington Hills. Nada, a 35-year-old mother of three, was brutally killed in her own home, leading to the conviction of her son, Muhammad Altantawi, for her murder. The case garnered significant media attention due to the horrific nature of the crime.

From the meticulously orchestrated method of murder to the complex family dynamics, the details of Nada Huranieh’s homicide are undeniably tragic and unsettling. Dateline NBC’s season 32 episode 44, titled The Shadow in the Window, delves into this haunting case, premiering on September 20 at 10 p.m. EST.

The official synopsis of the episode states:

“A teenager’s life is turned upside down when she finds her mother lying on the patio. What initially seems like a fatal accident reveals itself to be something much more disturbing.”

Here are five chilling aspects of the case that continue to disturb those who have followed its developments.

5 Chilling Details About Nada Huranieh’s Murder

1) A Brutal Murder Staged as an Accident

Nada Huranieh’s death was first reported as an accident. She was found lying outside her family home, beneath a second-floor window, leading many to believe she had fallen. However, it was later revealed that Nada had been smothered with a damp cloth or towel before being thrown out of the window, with prosecutors arguing that Muhammad staged the scene to make it appear as though she had accidentally fallen.

2) A Son Accused of Killing His Mother

The most shocking twist in this murder narrative is that Nada’s son, Muhammad Altantawi, was accused and later convicted of her murder. At just 16 years old, he had developed animosity towards his mother due to conflicts arising from his parents’ acrimonious divorce. The prosecution argued that his loyalty to his father played a pivotal role in his motive.

3) Cell Phone Evidence Linking Muhammad to the Crime

Investigators uncovered crucial cell phone evidence, revealing multiple calls between Muhammad and his father, Bassell, during the time of Nada’s murder—some allegedly made while Muhammad claimed he was asleep. His alibi raised significant doubts, compounded by discrepancies in the accounts he provided to law enforcement. Notably, phone records indicated possible premeditation, as he had sent his father a picture of the window about three weeks before Nada’s death.

4) Surveillance Footage Raises Suspicion

Additional unsettling evidence emerged from surveillance footage captured at the family residence. The footage showed shadows and lights moving around the house shortly before Nada’s death. Cleaning supplies and a ladder were spotted close to the window from which Nada was thrown, suggesting a significant level of planning was involved—something Muhammad later denied having any role in.

5) A Family Torn Apart by Murder

Beyond the tragic loss of Nada Huranieh, her murder shattered the family. Her husband, Bassell, had a history of violent disputes with Nada and had even pleaded guilty to spousal abuse and healthcare fraud prior to her death. The Altantawi children, particularly the youngest daughter, Aya, were profoundly affected by their mother’s violent death and their brother’s conviction; Aya was the one to discover her mother’s lifeless body and call for help.

Throughout the trial, Aya expressed her emotional turmoil and claimed that their mother would have forgiven Muhammad, showcasing the deep-seated trauma caused by this tragic crime.

As reported by The Detroit News, Muhammad was sentenced to 35 to 60 years in prison for the murder of Nada Huranieh in 2022. For further details on this heartbreaking case, tune in to Dateline season 32 episode 44 on NBC.

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