The Illinois landlord accused of killing a Palestinian American boy and wounding his mother in a hate-fueled stabbing attack pleaded not guilty to all charges Monday.

Joseph Czuba, 71, faces murder, attempted murder and hate crime charges for the Oct. 14 stabbings that took the life of Wadea Al-Fayoume, 6, and left mother Hanaan Shahin in critical condition.

Police said Mr. Czuba attacked the family due to their Muslim faith and in response to the Hamas militant group attack on Israel.

Ms. Shahin told police that Mr. Czuba turned violent after she asked him to “pray for peace” when they were discussing the conflict.

Mr. Czuba is the family’s landlord in Plainfield Township, about 40 miles southwest of Chicago.

Charging documents accuse Mr. Czuba of showing “exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior” when he stabbed Wadea 26 times with a serrated knife. He also is accused of stabbing Ms. Shahin more than a dozen times.

The defendant is due back in court Jan. 8.

• This article is based in part on wire service reports.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.