Comments:

1. What a sad & senseless death. What the hell were those murderers thinking?

   Comment by amar at 15:17 (Central), July 13, 2005

2. A new article in the Sun-Times today: http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-uic13.html

   Apparently his skull was broken in 5 places and his arms had no bruises evidencing an attempt to defend himself.

   Comment by Nesta at 15:38 (Central), July 13, 2005

3. Will, now that you've posted the pics I actually do remember meeting him and I think his sister. It's sad that stopping to try to do a good deed ended up getting him killed.

   Comment by D.L. at 17:35 (Central), July 13, 2005

4. There are two sides to every story

   Comment by julie at 14:55 (Central), July 14, 2005

5. Thanks for sharing that. Actually, there's only one side that matters to me. I had a friend, and someone killed him. Unless you are disputing that he's dead, what the fuck is your point?

   Comment by Nesta at 18:49 (Central), July 14, 2005

6. Sharaf, Shera, sati & Family
   we have been grieved hearing this Painful tragedy for a lovely member of the family the king Tombol.
   May Allah bless him.

   El Shareef, Hassiba, Ahmed El Idriy & Family

   Comment by Ahmed El Idrisy & Walaa at 07:58 (Central), July 18, 2005

7. i just cant express how much i miss you and how i still cant belive that you are not in this world with me u showed me so much in so little time it felt good having an older brother and we got on soo well like that time we went to london just me and you that was soo cool and when we went to see the pyramids together we had so much fun and just writing this letter brings tears to my eyes i miss you but we will see each other again some day i love you man.
   p.s i miss all you guys and i just really need to see you all again i love you all x rip T love your lil bros, Orsod and Artendy.
   And Azba

   Comment by Orsod Malik at 03:57 (Central), July 19, 2005

8. My point is your friend probably wasn't the "gentle giant" you described him as...c'mon now.

   Comment by Julie at 10:21 (Central), July 22, 2005

9. Lady, did you actually know Tombol? Do you think it's appropriate to cast aspersions on him if you didn't? Every news report and every personal account out there say that he was a good kid. I knew his brother Samil and sister Shiera a bit and everyone in this family seemed to be good honest people. Even if Tombol wasn't (and there's no evidence to say he wasn't a 'gentle giant'), it's still not right to beat a man to death. I'll leave it up to Will whether or not he wants your comments to stay on this site.

   Comment by D.L. at 14:48 (Central), July 22, 2005

10. I'm really sorry to hear about your friend's death.

    Comment by JV at 18:27 (Central), July 22, 2005

11. god bless tombol and his family....tombol was murdered...beaten to death...thats wat it was...justice will prevail...!~~tombol rest in peace....to think u stopped to help someone...im so sorry for wat happened to u...so sorry..god bless...rest in peace sweetie.

    Comment by safa at 01:59 (Central), July 23, 2005

12. Tombol was a very humble person. He had a style and charm that came through without him even saying a word. I never knew him on the personal level, but I did see him in the halls of Kenwood, just being himself. It is really sad that his live has ended, but his memory will be everlasting in the lives of the people that he touched.

    Comment by Taurean Robinson at 14:06 (Central), July 23, 2005

13. I love and miss Tombol very much. I also feel very strongly that this page should be designated to remembering Tombol, and celebrating his life. Tombol was undoubtedly the most beautiful person on the inside and out that I have ever met. He was an honest, sweet, loving and amazing person.

    Comment by Niki at 19:53 (Central), July 24, 2005

14. My heartfelt sympathy to the Malik family and friends of Tombol. This death makes absolutely no sense. It almost seems the phrase "will no good deed go unpunished" fits. For some reason--only the Almighty knows why--it appears that "good" is not showing signs of winning the battle against "bad" these days. I am grateful for those who come out to show signs that love is still strong in the community after tragedies such as this. Perhaps those drops of hope will sustain us as a society... let us continue to be of good courage. Meanwhile, let us continue to teach, represent and pray for Peace/Salaam/Shalom. Eventually, like leaven, it will have a lasting effect.

    Comment by Tom at 21:00 (Central), July 25, 2005

15. You should count yourself unlucky to have never met him.

    Comment by a at 15:38 (Central), July 27, 2005

16. As a child, Tombol was a classic mischievious rugrat, he was also conscious, loving, and humorous. Before his death, Tombol was a wonderful man with years to continue to grow and change the world even more so. I knew him as a kid at both grammar and high school. I am now beginning to know him as that man through the wonderful stories friends of his have told me. But my strong memories are from the younger years. I played baseball with. I teased him and Anthony, as they did me as well.
    I agree that there are two sides to every story, but nothing gives any human the right to lay harm and especially death to someone. I suggest we all remember Tombol and pray in any language known to us that both of his attackers live each day remembering the life they ended, the families (including their own) that have suffered because of their wanton act of cruelty. I believe Tombol would have wanted us to live in peace and believe that some justice, whether legal or not, will come to those two young and arrogant men.

    May god rest all of our souls...

    Comment by Liz-HPK at 11:17 (Central), July 29, 2005

17. i just want to respond to the comment that "julie" made about tombol, it's very disrespectful and ignorant to post something to negative about a man who was killed. he's not here to defend himself and the fact that you didn't know him is even more evidence of how ignorant you are. this family has suffered a tragic loss if you don't have something positive to say them regardless of what you believe to be true, then keep it to yourself. as matter of a fact, where you even there? only those with positive minds and honest hearts shall prosper, and if the two who killed him were innocent, then why did they run away like cowards instead of standing their ground??

    Comment by rk at 01:34 (Central), July 30, 2005

18. We love you Tombol!

    I saw this on NBC5.com and I thought it was interesting:

    ----------------------------------------
    Hello To All:

    Please consider the following:

    http://www.malpracticeweb.com/humana_cam.htm (1 of 2 malpractice lawsuits against Nabil Haffar, father of Muaz Haffar)

    http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/sunpub/lisle/police/ls0722cops.htm (#31, disorderly conduct. Only one of several that have been posted)

    http://www.usapowerlifting.com/newsletter/ranking/2002teen_men.html http://www.usapowerlifting.com/newsletter/ranking/bench_2001.html (Muaz a powerlifter in the 148lb category)

    http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-0507290281jul29,1,3241106.story?coll=chi-newslocalchicago-hed (sister, stated he had to undergo facial surgury for wounds during his "fight." Look at his face, looks fine to me!)

    Comment by Ignacio at 03:13 (Central), July 31, 2005

19. This is a tragedy.

    Comment by Brenna at 09:47 (Central), July 31, 2005

20. a. Yes, Thank You. This page is dedicated to the loving memory of Tombol, who we all loved.

    I knew Tombol through his brother Samil. I'm glad to have met him because he was that good of a man.

    Comment by coolieJ at 23:12 (Central), August 1, 2005

21. I am am UIC student and did not know tombol personally, I would like to send my prayers to his family and friends.

    Comment by danielle at 10:57 (Central), August 2, 2005

22. I only had the priviledge of meeting Tombol on three occasions and I'm thankful today that I did.My husband knew him better because he worked with him at Florian.Tombol was,and is for those that keep him in their hearts,a very kind and charismatic person and may he rest in peace.

    Comment by Heather at 23:16 (Central), August 5, 2005

23. As a roommate of mantis, I would like to send my condolences to friends and family members of the victims in this case. It is unfortunate that this all had to happen. Mantis though is not a ruthless killer. This was not premeditated, or intentional. I agree that mantis should be punished and he will be, but reverse the roles. Think about how much of a tragedy there is in knowing the guilt and trepidation that he must endure for the rest of his life. I am in no way trying to make sense of this all or make it right. But in no way was mantis a malicious degenerate person.

    Comment by Friend at 12:05 (Central), August 11, 2005

24. Please help find the person accused of murdering Tombol Malik

    http://muazhaffar.blogspot.com

    Comment by concerned citizen at 19:45 (Central), August 15, 2005

25. there are definately two sides to every story. i'm sorry to hear about what happened,and my heart goes out to tombol's family, but mantas matulis is a good friend of mine, and he's not a killer. there had to be some provocation, no one just beats someone to death for no reason. mantas deserves to be punished for what he took part in, but he is not malicious or a degenerate. mantas will live with this for the rest of his life, and that will be punishment as well.

    Comment by Friend at 20:55 (Central), August 22, 2005

26. Tombol Malik and Anthony Popelka started the fight. They were the initial aggressors. They brought this on themselves.

    Comment by truth at 11:10 (Central), September 5, 2005

27. Lovely sentiments.

    Comment by nesta at 12:08 (Central), September 6, 2005

28. More than a dozen witnesses and several veteran detectives say that Haffar and Matulis started a fight and committed a gruesome murder of a man who--by all accounts--was a gentle, non-violent individual. There are only two witnesses that disagree: one is in jail (Matulis) and the other is a fugitive from justice (Haffar).

    Comment by Mr. Business at 16:31 (Central), September 7, 2005

29. I never had the pleasure of knowing Tombol but I remember him from the HP 'hood. I also went to his memorial days after his murder. I would like to express my wholehearted sympathy to Tombol's family and to all those who knew him. Be courageous. Have faith in Our Creator and He will keep us humble and hopeful...

    Comment by Jas at 18:01 (Central), September 7, 2005

30. I knew Tombol from back in Ray school. He was in my grade 1st through 8th, but we were never really friends. I went to a birthday party of his a long long time ago, we played baseball in a park by his house. After 8th grade I didn't really see him till I saw him working at Florian...now I feel bad I never said hi or caught up with him, I was at Florian all the time. I'm not much of a Christian right now, but I am going to school for theology next year, for what it's worth I prayed for his soul, may be rest in peace.

    To his killers: may you come to regret what you have done, face the consequences so the family may have peace. Come to regret what you have done and Jesus will forgive you.

    May peace prevail on earth.

    Comment by John at 15:56 (Central), September 19, 2005

31. Yesterday, October 28, we finally were able to learn some real facts. Prior to this day, there was nothing but accusations.

    First, while I did not know Tombol nor do I know his family, he seemed from what I have read like a nice young man with a good future and his death was truly senseless.

    Mantas Matulis, as we learned yesterday, was a participant but was NOT the person who attacked Tombol. The only eyewitness to testify to date, a college security guard who missed the first several seconds of the physcial altercation, testified UNDER OATH in a court of law that at no time did he see Matulis assault, strike or maky any physical contact with Tombol. This is a very important fact entered into evidence, and it is worth noting that the state did not offer a single witness to contradict the testimony. Further, the state still has not produced critical DNA testing that will end speculation as to what took place on the horrible evening.

    I am not hear to state Matulis is a saint, completely innocent of any involvement in this event. However, it is becoming clear, to some extent based on testimony and lack thereof by the state, that Matulis is NOT a killer.
    While I realize it is painful for the friends of Tombol Malik, I think we all seek the FULL TRUTH, and that punishment be served in accordance with the laws and principles of our nation. All men are innocent until PROVEN guilty in a court of law. It is easy to group Matulis and Haffer together and say they are both murderers, but as rational people we also need to judge each based on his own actions, listen to ALL the facts, then develop our conculsions. It appears that emotions, while understandable, have made it difficult for some to be objective. I think we all need to know and understand the whole truth before passing complete judgement.

    Comment by Clark at 16:20 (Central), October 29, 2005

32. Judge Sacks reviewed the evidence on the 28th and determined that it was sufficient to show that Matulis DID kick Tombol Malik several times in the head as he lay motionless and disfigured on the ground. That's why bond was actually INCREASED threefold.

    Comment by Mr. Business at 20:46 (Central), November 1, 2005

33. First "Mr Business", you have no right to insult me or anyone else who has a different opinion from you. Beyond that, I won't get into a personal attack on you, because I don't know you (nor would I probably want to).

    The judge at NO TIME said he found sufficient evidence that Matulis kicked Tombol. I WAS THERE, I HEARD WHAT WAS SAID! What was said is that Matulis was a participant in the events of that evening. That does NOT mean he kicked him.

    The sad part is that the prosecution has done a nice job of trialing this case through the media, and some people can't see through the emotions (which is understandable). The prosecution can END any speculation rather quickly by obtaining and making public the DNA testing, however they have dragged this out for FOUR MONTHS! As the judge stated last month, it shouldn't take this long to obtain the results.

    There are at least TWO pieces of crucial evidence waiting on the results. So "Mr Business", perhaps you should leave your insults and prejudice to yourself.

    In regards to the bond tripling, he did NOT state that Matulis was involved and that is why bail was increased. In fact, he DIDN'T GIVE A REASON! One can speculate a lot of things. I would like to think it is related to publicity! Why? There is a man in Cook County jail who killed TWO children, and his bond is $1 million.

    Once the DNA tests are delivered, perhaps YOU will be the classless individual. Actually, your prejudice, saying all "Matulis people" are classless actually shows that YOU ARE CLASSLESS!

    Comment by Clark at 19:21 (Central), November 4, 2005

34. If you can't keep it civil (this applies to all commenters) then don't post. I will ruthlessly disemvowel and or delete comments that I feel cross the line of civility.

    Comment by D.L. at 13:51 (Central), November 5, 2005

35. To Everyone on this site-- Judge Sacks based his decision on the police report and the evidence provided by both the defense and the prosecution respectively. The Prosecution produced reports by 7 VOLUNTARY witnesses who ALL saw Matulis kick Malik in the head. The defense, on the other hand produced a security guard whose account--in judge Sacks own words--"does not necessarily contradict" those of the prosecution's witnesses: ie. that Matulis KICKED malik in the head.

    Comment by Mr. Business at 16:36 (Central), November 7, 2005

36. To this site's administrator (Will?):

    I appreciate your original intention of creating this site to memorialize Tombol. But as someone who deeply loved him I am distressed as to how you can allow posts like those of Julie and Clark to end up on this site. Clark, I am sure, is either a close relative or friend of the Matulis family and Julie possibly as well. On the other hand, If you would like to make this site a forum for debate on the case, I'd appreciate it if you took Tombol's photos off this site.

    Comment by Mr. Business at 16:49 (Central), November 7, 2005

37. I’m closing comments now. I was initially reluctant to censor; I think it's generally preferable to let people’s thoughts be heard, even if we don't like what they have to say. However, I never wanted to host an ugly fight over who is to blame for Tombol's death. This was only intended to be a tribute to a lost friend. Tombol's family expressed concern over some of the comments posted here, and I agree that this is not the place for them.

    I have removed some comments, and I have edited other comments which made reference to them. If you don't like how I have edited your comment, let me know and I will remove it entirely (nesta @ falsecognate.org)

    If you want to share any more remembrances or good wishes, please follow the link to his family's website at the top of the page.

    If you want to discuss the case, please go to the new link I have added at the top of the page.

    Comment by nesta at 23:52 (Central), November 7, 2005

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