Lebanese student Karim Abu Najm, 20 years old, was stabbed to death in Davison, California, just hours after receiving an award for his research.
American media reported that "the Lebanese young man was attacked while riding his bike in 'Sycamore' Park in the city." In his first appearance after the tragedy, the victim's father, Majdi Abu Najm, stated that he fled Lebanon with his family in 2018, hoping for safety.
The father explained that his son was very happy after his success and graduation. "He was a bundle of energy and positivity, and he was very ambitious," Abu Najm emphasized, adding that he was "proud of what his son achieved and wanted to make this world a better place."
He clarified that his son "was riding his bike home from the academic awards ceremony in Davis," pointing out that "the route he took on his final journey home was the same path he takes every day."
He continued: "I walk to my office at the University of California, while he rides his bike to his classes at the same university." The father called on the police to arrest the perpetrator, while city mayor Will Arnold was briefed on the investigation's progress.
American authorities used drones to search for the suspect in Abu Najm's stabbing, but have thus far been unable to locate him. The police described the assailant as a young man aged between 19 and 23, with long, curly hair. The suspect was last seen wearing a white hat and a light-colored shirt, and it was said that he was riding a bike.
The Davis Police Department stated that "despite common factors between these two brutal crimes, officials could not find any connection between the victims." This stabbing incident marks the second of its kind in the same area within four days, as David Brooks, aged 50, also lost his life in a similar incident.
