In brief: Jury convicts Iraqi immigrant in ‘honor killing’ of daughter
PHOENIX – A jury convicted an Iraqi immigrant of second-degree murder Tuesday for running over and killing his daughter in a case termed an “honor killing” by prosecutors who said the father carried out the attack because he believed his daughter had become too Westernized.
Faleh Hassan Almaleki, 50, also was convicted of aggravated assault for injuries suffered by the mother of his daughter’s boyfriend during the October 2009 incident in a suburban Phoenix parking lot, as well as two counts of leaving the scene of an accident.
Prosecutors told jurors during the trial that he mowed down Noor Almaleki, 20, with his Jeep Cherokee because he believed she brought dishonor to the family. He had wanted her to be a traditional Iraq woman, while she refused an arranged marriage, went to college and had a boyfriend.
Dalai Lama kin to continue walk
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – A brother and two sons of the Dalai Lama’s nephew say they’ll complete his walk to bring attention to the campaign for freedom in Chinese-controlled Tibet, picking up where the Bloomington, Ind., man died last week in Florida.
Kunga Norbu and two of Jigme Norbu’s sons, ages 13 and 9, plan to continue the walk Wednesday through Saturday in Florida.
The 45-year-old Jigme Norbu was struck and killed by an SUV Feb. 14, the first day of a 300-mile walk.
Baby girl born in hospital elevator
LAWRENCE, Kan. – A Kansas newborn could be well-equipped to face the ups and downs of life: She was born in a hospital elevator.
Alyssa Lynn Leming arrived Friday as her parents rushed through the Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Crystal Leming says it took just an hour from the onset of severe contractions to the birth of the 5-pound, 11-ounce girl, whom they have nicknamed Ellee.
Leming told The Lawrence Journal-World that she and her husband, Patrick, just couldn’t reach the delivery room in time.
When the elevator door opened, Leming says she asked the assembled staff, “Can somebody please catch her head?”
The new mom says her baby is healthy and “apparently already has a flair for the dramatic.”