#409: I Received A Message From A Serial Killer’s Wife Asking For Help…

Karim's case is a complex one, with his upscale background and disturbing behavior patterns intersecting to create a chilling portrait of a man who ultimately turned to murder.

Karim's background and online presence

Karim grew up in a financially secure family in Egypt and the US, but held a sense of superiority and entitlement

Karim was born into a financially well-off family, spending parts of his life in Egypt and the United States. He was known to exhibit a sense of superiority and entitlement, largely due to the financial security provided by his parents. Karim's success was often attributed to his father's wealth, a fact well-understood by those around him. Despite his outward portrayal, Karim reportedly had no genuine affection for his father, seeing him merely as a financial resource to fulfill his desires, such as acquiring the latest iPhone, even into his late thirties.

Karim's TikTok account, "HookedOnPhonics," featured odd and questionable content, including teaching dubious English slang

Karim's TikTok account under the name "HookedOnPhonics" became a platform for him to teach English to non-native speakers. His content included pronouncing challenging words like "exquisite" and "ecstatic" and suggesting alternate phrasing like "I apologize" instead of "I'm sorry." Karim also involved his son Zane, showing how to blend English words in common speech. Stephanie Soo highlighted the peculiarity of Karim's videos, such as his use of odd terms and unsettling inflections. Although his account reached 660,000 followers, the content is now viewed with suspicion, with the old videos gaining a more troubling aspect in light of his later criminal activities.

Karim's troubling behavior and potential warning signs

Karim was known to have a volatile temper, often lashing out at coworkers over minor issues

Karim's temper was a source of discomfort at his workplace. Sources say he would have sudden outbursts over seemingly trivial matters. Those working with him walked on eggshells, fearing what might trigger his anger on any given day.

Karim had a ...

Lubna's marriage to Karim, which began with charm and manners, deteriorated into a harrowing tale of abuse and control after the birth of their son, Zayn.

Karim's transformation from a seemingly normal partner to an abusive and controlling husband

Initially, Kareem was viewed as normal and polite, but this facade crumbled shortly after the couple welcomed their son.

In the early years of their marriage, Karim appeared charming and well-mannered, but things took a turn after the birth of their son, Zayn

The arrival of Zayn ignited a change in Karim's behavior. He became envious of the attention Lubna gave their son, interpreting her maternal duties as neglect of his needs.

Karim became jealous and aggressive whenever Lubna prioritized their son's needs over his own, often resulting in violent outbursts

Whenever he felt that Zayn's requirements were being considered over his, Karim's demeanor would shift dramatically. He would erupt into fits of aggression that left Lubna at the receiving end of his violent outbursts.

Lubna discovered Karim's infidelity and confronted him, but he would respond by physically assaulting her

The discovery of videos showcasing Karim's infidelity added another layer of turmoil. Confrontation led to further violence where Karim resorted to beatings and strangulation, often rendering Lubna unconscious.

Lubna's attempts to escape the abusive relationship and Karim's efforts to prevent it

Lubna's harrowing experience of abuse lasted an unimaginable six years as she repeatedly tried to leave the increasingly dangerous situation.

Lubna tried to leave Karim multiple times, but he would threaten and assault her, making it difficult for her to escape

Every attempt at liberation met with severe ...

The article delves into a distressing incident involving Karim's kidnapping of his son Zayn and Lubna's relentless struggle to regain custody.

Karim's deception and Lubna's desperate search for her son

Lubna’s story is one of distress and perseverance as she searches for her son, Zayn, who was kidnapped by Karim, his own father, three years ago. In a deceitful act, Karim asked Lubna for a playdate with Zayn, claiming he just wanted to take him to dinner because he missed him. Lubna agreed but that was the last time she saw her son.

Afterward, to block Lubna’s attempts to reclaim Zayn, Karim filed for divorce and wrongfully accused her of adultery, which is a serious allegation in Egypt. This forced Lubna to flee Egypt due to threats against her life. Meanwhile, Karim misled the police by saying Lubna was dead, which led his mother to take custody of Zayn.

Although Lubna has not seen her son since the playdate and has been on a relentless search, her efforts have been met with obstacles. She has tried contacting Karim’s mother, who is with Zayn, but her attempts have been futile as she is barred from communication.

Lubna is legally entitled to have her son with her. She has full custody rights, including educational rights, and has filed all necessary police and court paperwork. Despite this legal standing, Lubna continues to face challenges in locating Karim's mother and thus, her son Zayn.

The legal and emotional challenges Lubna faces in her quest to reunite with Zayn

The emotional toll on Lubna has been considerable. She has not seen or heard from her son for seven months following Karim's imprisonment on unrelated charges. During this time, she continuously sends messages to her son and his grandmother, which shows as read, but receives no response. Lubna endures the angst of not knowing her son's well-being, his interests, or even his academic status.

Legally, Lubna has made every attempt to utilize her resources, including hiring attorneys, in her quest to restore her maternal rights and reunite with her son. She operates under the distressing reality that her son ...