Teen Killed Brother Because He was Fed up With Being ‘Picked On’ and ‘Bullied’ for Years

A 17-year-old from Iowa has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison after admitting he fatally stabbed his older brother during a violent confrontation earlier this year.

Mohamed Mutaz Elzubeir was just 16 when he stabbed his 19-year-old brother, Abdelmagid “Majet” Elzubeir, in the neck inside their Des Moines home on June 11, 2024. The teen later told authorities he was tired of being “picked on” by his sibling and snapped during yet another heated exchange.

Paramedics rushed the victim to UnityPoint Methodist Medical Center, but he died from his injuries shortly after arrival.

Originally charged with first-degree murder, Mohamed struck a plea deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. On Wednesday, Polk County District Judge Joseph Seidlin sentenced him to up to 10 years in a state correctional facility.

According to prosecutors, the judge considered a range of sentencing options due to the teen’s age—including the possibility of probation or deferred judgment—but ultimately agreed with both the defense and prosecution that prison time was necessary.

“Mohamed has a long, troubled history of managing his behaviors,” Judge Seidlin said, noting that a traumatic brain injury from a 2021 car crash had worsened the teen’s emotional and behavioral issues.

The court heard that Mohamed admitted several times in court, “I was guilty,” and “I had blood on my hands.” He explained that he used a kitchen knife after years of alleged bullying from his brother, saying Abdelmagid was yelling at him and had pushed him before the fatal swing.

Judge Seidlin said the teen seems to function better in a structured environment and expressed hope that prison would provide both accountability and a path toward rehabilitation.

Mohamed Elzubeir turns 18 next month.