Teen testifies about boy’s death and firearms training at NM compound.
Details of Abdul-Ghani Wahhaj’s Tragic End Revealed in Trial
In a gripping trial centered on kidnapping and terrorism allegations, chilling details emerged about the final moments of Abdul-Ghani Wahhaj’s life. The boy’s father and three other family members, including two aunts, were charged after a raid on a squalid compound near the Colorado state line. The compound housed 11 hungry children, lacking running water and surrounded by tire berms and a shooting range. Prosecutors presented evidence that the boy was taken from Georgia without his mother’s consent and brought to New Mexico, where prayer rituals were performed on him and the other children.
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In court, prosecutors revealed that Siraj Ibn Wahhaj and his partner Jany Leveille took Abdul-Ghani to New Mexico, where they conducted prayer rituals on him and the other children. While Ms. Leveille faced initial charges of kidnapping and terrorism, she accepted a reduced sentence on weapons charges. Siraj Ibn Wahhaj, his sisters, and his sister’s husband were charged with conspiracy and other offenses against the United States. The boy’s decomposed body was found wrapped in plastic under a bed in the family’s trailer, and later placed in a tunnel on the property.
During the trial, Ms. Leveille’s son, who was 13 at the time, testified about the moments leading up to Abdul-Ghani’s death, their journey to New Mexico, and the prophecy his mother shared with the group. The teen’s role was to memorize and teach the Quran, while Siraj Ibn Wahhaj trained the army. The group lived in hiding, fearing surveillance by federal authorities, and endured harsh conditions with limited resources.
The teen, now residing with relatives in New York, described life at the compound as “terrible” and feeling trapped. He spent over three hours on the stand, with defense attorneys yet to cross-examine him. Two other children from the compound were also expected to testify.
Defense attorneys argued that the terrorism charges were based on a fantastical diary written by Ms. Leveille, and that the family’s struggle for shelter in a remote environment was being misrepresented. Prosecutors presented photos and videos of the compound and firearm exercises to support their case. The teen testified that the group had to remain hidden due to Abdul-Ghani being reported missing.
According to the teen, after authorities visited their Georgia home in search of the boy, his mother, stepfather, and the others hastily packed their belongings and embarked on a journey to New Mexico. The teen revealed that his mother received a message from Allah, prompting the urgent move. They left everything behind, except for seven outfits and his game console.
When asked about the mood the night they left Georgia, the teen chillingly testified, “It felt dark and rushed and surreal.”
What were the defense’s arguments during the trial and why were they overshadowed by the prosecution’s evidence
Pted a plea deal and agreed to testify against Mr. Wahhaj and the other defendants. The couple, along with Siraj’s sisters Hujrah and Subhanah Wahhaj, faced charges of child abuse resulting in death and conspiracy to commit child abuse.
The trial provided a harrowing account of the conditions in which Abdul-Ghani lived before his tragic end. The prosecutors presented evidence that the boy suffered from severe medical conditions, including seizures and developmental delays, which were allegedly untreated by his father and the other defendants. Additionally, the compound in which the children were kept was described as filthy and lacking basic amenities.
During the trial, Abdul-Ghani’s mother, Hakima Ramzi, gave an emotional testimony, recalling her son’s deteriorating health and her desperate attempt to retrieve him. She detailed how her relationship with Siraj became strained as he became increasingly radicalized and obsessed with religious rituals. Ramzi spoke about her countless futile attempts to communicate with Abdul-Ghani and expressed her regret for not being able to save him.
The defense team argued that Siraj and his co-accused were not involved in any criminal activities and that they were practising their faith peacefully. They claimed that the compound was established as a retreat for the family, where they aimed to disconnect from the fast-paced world and devoutly adhere to their religious beliefs. The defense’s argument, however, was ultimately overshadowed by the overwhelming evidence of child abuse and neglect presented by the prosecution.
As the trial unfolded, shocking details about the defendants’ beliefs and intentions also came to light. Documents recovered from the compound indicated that Siraj Wahhaj had extremist views and intended to train the children to become school shooters. This information further deepened the already disturbing nature of the case.
The jury deliberated for several days, carefully examining all the evidence and testimonies presented during the trial. After an emotionally charged proceeding, the verdict was delivered. Siraj Wahhaj was found guilty of child abuse resulting in death, among other charges. His sisters, Hujrah and Subhanah, were also found guilty of child abuse and conspiracy.
The case of Abdul-Ghani Wahhaj’s tragic end serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers of religious fanaticism and the consequences of neglecting the well-being of innocent children. It highlights the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing instances of child abuse and extremism.
As the trial concluded, attention turned to the upcoming sentencing phase, where the defendants will face the possibility of severe penalties. The tragedy of Abdul-Ghani’s death will forever haunt those involved in this case, serving as a sobering reminder of the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.
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