18-year-old charged with murder in brother’s shooting death
Attorney says teen was defending himself and his mother
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (WOIO) - An 18-year-old is charged with murder after police say he shot and killed his 22-year-old brother inside their North Olmsted home Wednesday afternoon.
North Olmsted police identified the suspect as Ameen Farraj. The victim was identified as 22-year-old Abdulla Farraj.
What the 911 calls reveal
In a 911 call, Ameen Farraj told a dispatcher, “I had to shoot him. I had to shoot him.”
Ameen Farraj also told the dispatcher, “My brother was trying to attack my mother.”
“Ok, and who got shot?” the dispatcher asked.
“My brother,” Ameen Farraj said.
Ameen Farraj’s sister was also on the phone with 911 at the same time. She told a dispatcher, “My brother hit my mom and he got shot.”
Both Ameen Farraj and his sister told dispatchers Abdulla Farraj was hitting their mother before Ameen shot him. The sister told the dispatcher Ameen was protecting her, their mother and a cousin from Abdulla.
Abdulla Farraj was taken to the hospital, where he died.
Arraignment
Ameen Farraj was arraigned Thursday via zoom in Rocky River Municipal Court.
Magistrate Joseph Grandinetti said, “Mr. Farraj did purposely cause the death of Abdulla Farraj… by shooting him one time in the stomach, chest, and was later pronounced deceased.”
Ameen Farraj is charged with murder, a first-degree felony. He faces 15 years to life in prison with a maximum potential fine of up to $15,000.
Ameen Farraj’s attorney, Issa Elkhatib, asked for the lowest possible bond, saying Ameen is no danger to the community.
“He has no criminal history whatsoever. This is a case strictly of self-defense and defense of others,” Elkhatib said.
Elkhatib said Ameen was defending himself and his mother. He said Abdulla Farraj had “an extensive criminal history of violence.”
“If Mr. Farraj had not acted quickly, swiftly, and intelligently, we could be talking about a murder of maybe multiple people in this case,” Elkhatib said.
Magistrate Grandinetti moved to follow the state’s recommendation of a $1 million bond. Conditions of release include a GPS monitor if bond is posted.
The preliminary hearing was waived.
Ameen Farraj is being held at the North Olmsted jail.
Statement from Attorney
Elkhatib released a statement on behalf of client Ameen Farraj.
It reads:
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