Lynnwood beating death called 'honor killing'

Associated Press ^ | October 30, 2009

[george76]

EVERETT, Wash. - A 61-year-old man accused of beating his brother to death in Lynnwood told Snohomish County sheriff's detectives it was an honor killing to avenge an insulting remark.

Mehdi M. Matin says more than 20 years ago his brother uttered words about his bride-to-be so terrible the wedding was called off. Both men are from Afghanistan.

Matin was visiting his brother Monday when he repeated the remark.

[21twelve]

“So, if you said something to pi$$ me off 20 years ago, it’s ok for me to kill you?”

Well, 20 years ago it was an insult to his sweetheart that he couldn’t marry. Not sure what custom that is, but I’d be pretty pissed if something my brother said kept me from marrying the one I love.

Not sure I would have invited my brother over for a visit. But, perhaps after 20 years he thought they could patch things up. Then the brother hurls the same insult. I don’t know. I guess I’d just tell my brother to take off. But, only 150 years ago in this country - yes, those would be fighting/killing words. Perhaps a more civilized duel?

Now, the “honor killings” of some young girl that wore pants or was raped, those are a different story.

[doug from upland]

I wonder what the victim said to get his brother so outraged. Perhaps, “Mehdi, don’t marry the slut. She had sex with the entire national soccer team as well as with their camels. She preferred the camels.”