Protesters rip Oak Lawn over lack of accountability in man’s death a year ago

The Oak Lawn Fall Music Festival received great reviews but the village board also listened to heated comments regarding a local man who was struck and killed by a motorist a year ago.

Fadia Muhamad, the mother of Murod Kurdi, who was struck and killed by a passing motorist in 2023 in the 9100 block of South Tulley Avenue, spoke during the public format portion of the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday night.

Muhamad was upset over what she said was a lack of accountability regarding her 28-year-old son’s death. Kurdi was exiting his vehicle in front of the family home when he was struck by a vehicle that was driven by Leanne Cusack.

Cusack reportedly told police that she had been drinking and did not initially realize she struck Kurdi. Muhamad — and several speakers who followed — said that the police should have arrested Cusack at the scene instead of giving her a ticket.

“Why do I have to do my own investigation? Why was I treated like the offender,” Muhamad said. “I lost my son; my whole life. I had to go on five separate trips to get my son’s belongings.”

Muhamad did mention that she appreciated that Mayor Terry Vorderer visited her and offered condolences after her son’s death.

Several speakers that followed called for the firing of the police involved in the incident, implying they either did not care or were racist. Kurdi was of Middle Eastern descent.

The protesters who filled the village hall also called for the firing of police officers who arrested Hadi Abuataleh, then 17, in July of 2022. The protesters said he was beaten and arrested because of racial profiling. Police stated they made the arrest because he had a gun.

Board members said they could not comment on the Abuataleh case because it was still going through the legal system.

The protesters continued to call for more accountability and justice but some began shouting. Many of them began to yell, “Justice for who — Murod Kurdi.” The yelling continued and the police were asked to escort the protesters out of the meeting.

Vorderer sympathized with Muhamad but said the case has been thoroughly investigated.

Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) became a little emotional in responding to the yelling that took place at the meeting.

“This is what America is all about,” Olejniczak said. “But we can’t be disruptive at the meeting. I do sympathize with the family. I have no problem talking with someone. But I will not have the board and police officers be verbally abused.”

“It’s hard,” said Trustee Paul Mallo (3rd). ” A mother lost her son. But the board can’t make these decisions, the judicial system does.”

Praise Music Fall Festival

Mallo then said the Oak Lawn Fall Music Festival held over the weekend was a huge success. He thanked Village Manager Tom Phelan, public works, the police and fire departments, and all the volunteers who contributed to making the fest a success.

“I want to thank the village residents for coming,” Mallo said. “This had to be the largest event we ever had.”

Vorderer agreed and added the police and fire departments helped to make it a fun and save event.

“The residents felt very safe and that’s due to the police and fire departments,” Vorderer said.

Note: Murod Kurdi’s name was misspelled in print versions of this story.