Kennewick man pleads innocent in fatal Dollar Tree stabbing

Suspect claims he was defending himself, girlfriend, and child from victim's stalking history

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A 27-year-old Kennewick man has pleaded innocent to second-degree murder charges for allegedly stabbing and killing a 26-year-old man during a fight outside a Dollar Tree store in Kennewick, Washington. The suspect's attorney argued that the victim had a history of stalking the suspect's girlfriend, and that the suspect was defending himself, his girlfriend, and their child from the victim's violent actions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex dynamics of domestic violence, stalking, and the use of lethal force in self-defense. It raises questions about how the criminal justice system should handle situations where there are allegations of prior abuse and stalking, and whether the suspect's actions were justified as self-defense.

The details

According to court documents, the suspect, Abdullah Hussein, and the victim, Ali Al Juboori, were both at the Dollar Tree store in Kennewick on the night of February 2, 2026. Hussein was with his girlfriend and their child, while Juboori was with his mother. Juboori and Hussein's girlfriend had previously dated for five years before breaking up in 2021, and the relationship was reportedly marked by domestic violence. While Hussein was inside the store, Juboori allegedly waited outside near Hussein's girlfriend's car. When Hussein, his girlfriend, and their child came out of the store, Juboori reportedly charged at Hussein, and the two men got into a physical altercation. Juboori was stabbed once in the chest and died at the scene. Hussein told police that he had stabbed Juboori and that the knife was on the back of his car.

  • On February 2, 2026, the incident occurred outside a Dollar Tree store in Kennewick, Washington.
  • On February 6, 2026, Hussein pleaded innocent to second-degree murder charges during his arraignment hearing.

The players

Abdullah Hussein

A 27-year-old Kennewick man who has been charged with second-degree murder for allegedly stabbing and killing Ali Al Juboori.

Ali Al Juboori

A 26-year-old Kennewick man who was allegedly stabbed and killed by Abdullah Hussein outside a Dollar Tree store.

Joseph Faurholt

The attorney representing Abdullah Hussein, who argued that Hussein was defending himself, his girlfriend, and their child from Juboori's history of stalking.

Josh Lilly

The prosecutor who argued that the nature of the murder charge was enough to give Hussein a reason to flee the Tri-Cities area.

Judge Bronson Brown

The judge who maintained Hussein's bail at $1 million, stating that this is one of the most violent crimes someone can commit.

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What they’re saying

“He has deep ties in the community. He has no criminal record. He has no unpaid tickets. My client did not leave the scene. He summoned aid. He did exactly what he should do.”

— Joseph Faurholt, Hussein's attorney (tri-cityherald.com)

“Since we're going to argue the facts of the case, the defendant stands accused of stabbing an unarmed man.”

— Josh Lilly, Prosecutor (tri-cityherald.com)

“The court is very concerned about the defendant and if he's released and what could happen. Substantial bail is appropriate.”

— Judge Bronson Brown, Judge (tri-cityherald.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Hussein to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex dynamics of domestic violence, stalking, and the use of lethal force in self-defense. It raises questions about how the criminal justice system should handle situations where there are allegations of prior abuse and stalking, and whether the suspect's actions were justified as self-defense.