A more than we month ago, we reported a suspect had been identified in the death of a UW-Stout student, Hussain Saeed Alnahdi, who is from Saudi Arabia.
News spread quickly of Alnahdi’s death, and the small, close-knit Menomonie community grew closer and in solidarity for international and minority students.
The suspect of Minneapolis Cullen M. Osburn, has been charged with felony murder and battery. Members in the community suspected the crime may have been the result of a hate crime. But in early questioning, Osburn was adamant that the incident was “not a result of anybody’s race.”
UW-Stout Chancellor Bob Meyer released a statement in light of the update in the investigation.
“I hope this arrest brings some measure of peace and comfort to Hussain’s family in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “They have gone through a living nightmare, and our hearts and prayers continue to go out to them. I also hope that Hussain’s roommates and many friends on campus also feel a sense of closure and relief with the arrest.”
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has more
Meyer said Hussain’s death has affected everyone on campus, and especially international and minority students who were afraid for their safety.
“At the same time, I have witnessed many people reaching out to these concerned students to assure them that they live and study in a safe environment,” he said. “I hope these efforts to help all students feel safe on campus and in the community continues.”
Meyer also quoted from the criminal complaint that stated the suspect “was adamant that the altercation was not a result of anybody’s race.”
Meyer thanked all involved in the investigation and those who contributed to the reward fund administered by the Community Foundation of Dunn County. A separate memorial fund established by the Stout University Foundation.
For more details from the criminal complaint, visit Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
