News broke last week that three young men, reportedly of African descent, had been murdered in an “execution-style” killing in Indiana in the US, sparking outrage. While very little is known about the killings of Mohamedtaha Omar, Adam Mekki and Muhannad Tairab, speculation and rumours have flooded the Internet.
Here’s what has been reported so far.
1. Two of the young men were Muslim, one was Christian, according to a spokesman for Fort Wayne police department. Initial reports suggested that all three were Muslim, with many social media users blaming political rhetoric and other Islamophobia for the murders.
Say what you will, but I can't help but think this is a direct byproduct of the hatred and intolerance that Trump is spewing. #OurThreeBoys
— Rana Del Ley (@Rana_Elsayed) February 28, 2016
While not all three men were Muslim, some have suggested that this does not rule out Islamophobia as a motive, arguing that the killer(s) could have believed all three to be Muslim based on their race.
@SanaSaeed @BuzzFeedNews It is likely a hate crime. Bigots are not smart and have killed people for mis-identification. #OurThreeBoys
— Andrew Nolastname (@AceKenshader) March 1, 2016
2. The house where the murders allegedly took place is reportedly occupied by someone police know to associate with gangs. According to the Huffington Post, the police spokesman said that the man was not present in the house when the three bodies were found.
3. Some friends of the victims reportedly told Buzzfeed News that they did not think the crime was hate-related. The friends, including a girlfriend of one victim, reportedly said that the men were likely gambling. The friends also contradicted reports suggesting that the house was a “party house.”
Given the lack of confirmed information, what we know so far is likely to change or develop once more details are released.
