Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the Corporal’s death would not be given ‘line-of-duty’ distinction. That determination has not been made.
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More than a month after Harris County Pct. 4 Cpl. Maher Husseini was murdered while he was on his way to work, the county’s Human Resources Department is expecting to start the process of determination to decide if Husseini’s murder will be considered a line-of-duty death.
KPRC 2 reached out to Harris County Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman, who said the death would not receive line-of-duty distinction. He said this decision was made by officials with the Harris County’s Attorney’s Office, but could not provide additional details.
The Harris County Attorney’s Office, however, does not make these decisions and provided this statement to confirm a decision has not been made and also to clarify the process:
“Line of duty death benefit decisions are made by the County’s Human Resources department, not the County Attorney’s Office. Our understanding is that a decision has not yet been made in this instance. HR’s internal review process will begin once the precinct submits the relevant form. Our understanding is the precinct intends to do so soon.”
On Saturday, Constable Herman clarified that he believed that Cpl. Husseini’s situation did constitute line-of-duty death distinction. He added that the form would be submitted on Monday if it hasn’t been submitted already.
When a law enforcement official dies in the line of duty, there are several benefits that the victim’s family is eligible for. These include life insurance policies, funeral assistance, health care coverage, and even educational benefits to family members.
In the case of Husseini, the murder occurred while he was driving to work. It’s unclear whether driving to work is considered “traveling to or from a duty.” Even though Husseini was driving a personal vehicle when he was ambushed, Constable Herman reported that he was wearing his uniform pants and gun belt.
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According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), line-of-duty deaths vary greatly based on the agency and jurisdiction where the crime is committed. However, the IACP Law Enforcement Policy Center says that agencies should consider the following criteria when determining whether a death was in the line of duty:
- Whether or not the death occurred during a law enforcement function
- Whether or not the death occurred while the officer was on duty
- Whether or not the officer was in uniform at the time of death
- Whether or not the officer was traveling to or from a duty
- Whether or not the death was a suicide
The man suspected of committing the murder, Athir Murady, was arrested in Galveston shortly after the crime and taken to a nearby hospital.
He has since been extradited to Harris County and charged with evading arrest and murder. He remains in Harris County jail without bond.