More than a month after Harris County Pct. 4 Cpl. Maher Husseini was murdered while he was on his way to work, it does not appear that his death will be considered a line-of-duty death.
KPRC 2 reached out to Harris County Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman, who confirmed that the death will not receive line-of-duty distinction. He said this decision was made by officials with the Harris County’s Attorney’s Office, but he could not provide details into the specific reasons that the call was made.
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In the case of Husseini, the murder occurred while he was driving to work. It’s unclear whether or not 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.
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.
KPRC 2 reached out to the Attorney’s Office early this afternoon. We will provide updates when they get back to us.
- MORE INFORMATION: Harris County Precinct 4 Corporal gunned down on his way to work
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.