In August came a warning about a man "stalking" vulnerable victims who were alone and willing to lend a hand.
People totally unconnected to any of the crimes were scared and suspecting the attacks were racially motivated. There was a sketch, ties to attacks in two other states, a green Blazer, and one high-priority tip directing police to a Mount Morris Township Market where he had worked.
On Aug. 11, Abuelazam was arrested in Atlanta, Ga. The details were outlined by Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.
"He was waiting to board a Delta Airlines flight to Tel Aviv," he said. "Identifying and taking the suspect into custody was accomplished by good old-fashioned police work and citizen cooperation."
Abuelazam was held on one count of assault with intent to murder. He waived extradition and was brought back to Michigan Aug. 26. He was booked in the Genesee County Jail and arraigned.
One month later, he was charged again and this time with murder for the Aug. 2 stabbing of Arnold Minor in Flint.
One month after that came two more murder charges for victims Darwin Marshall in Flint and Frank Kellybrew in Flint Township.
In November came another assault charge.
In court, prosecutors methodically presented their evidence. DNA played a big part in the murder cases. Expert witnesses testified to blood found on Abuelazam's shoelaces, clothes and in his SUV.
