The suspect in the murder of eight year old Malika Al Katib had a row with the child’s mother due to her social media use, it has emerged.
It was reported that the 34-year-old Middle Eastern origin man was recently released from prison in the UK where he was held due to fraud related offenses.
Malika’s mother, an Irish convert to Islam, Aisha Al Katib, was stabbed in the chest in the assault which took place shortly before midnight last Sunday. The attack took place reportedly over use of social media.
The suspect is said to have returned to Ireland only days before the fatal assault on the eight-year-old girl.
Malika became aware of the disturbance and got out of bed to see what was happening.
The child then reportedly got between her mother and the attacker who allegedly slit her throat.
After stabbing the woman and slitting the child’s throat, the attacker allegedly turned the knife on himself but sustained only minor injuries.
In a statement released yesterday, Gardaí confirmed the arrest of the suspect saying, “Gardaí continue to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the death of an eight year old girl following a fatal assault at a residence in New Ross, Co. Wexford on Sunday 1st December, 2024.
“The postmortem examination which was conducted by State Pathologist, Dr. Sally Anne Collis took place yesterday Monday 2nd December, 2024 the results of which will not be released for operational reasons.
“A male, aged in his 30s has been released from hospital and arrested on suspicion of Murder. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region.
“Investigating Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this fatal assault to come forward.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426 030, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or any Garda Station.”