Almaleki Found Guilty of 2nd Degree Murder

Verdict comes as somewhat of a surprise

Updated: Tuesday, 22 Feb 2011, 8:41 PM MST
Published : Tuesday, 22 Feb 2011, 3:15 PM MST

PHOENIX - The jury has returned a verdict in the trial of Faleh Almaleki, an Iraqi immigrant accused of running down his 20-year-old daughter in an alleged 'honor killing.'

The 50-year-old was found not guilty of first degree murder, but guilty of second degree murder.

In regards to Amal Khalaf, Noor's roommate who was also struck and seriously injured, Almaleki was found not guilty of first degree attempted murder and guilty of aggravated assault.

He was also convicted of leaving the scene of an accident. Faleh Almaleki fled the scene in his Jeep and left the country -- he was later apprehended in London.

It took the jury about 4 days to come to a verdict. Almaleki showed no emotion while the verdict was read, about 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Maricopa County Courthouse.

A sentencing date will be determined on Wednesday. Amal Khalaf is expected to testify.

He faces anywhere from 17 to 44 years in prison.

Prosecutors said Almaleki ran down his daughter and Khalaf because he was angry at her for becoming too 'westernized' and bringing the family shame. Noor had apparently refused an arranged marriage and was dating Khalaf's son.

Almaleki's defense attorneys claimed that Almaleki never intended to kill his daughter, and that her death was an accident.

His defense issued a statement: "We are pleased the jury took the time necessary to consider all of the evidence in this important case." The prosecution declined to comment.

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Almaleki Found Guilty of 2nd Degree Murder

Verdict comes as somewhat of a surprise

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