Steven Saltzman Statements

Haffar's attorney, Steven Saltzman, told the judge that his client is a good student from "a very strong family." Haffar's father, Nabil, is a doctor, and his sister is studying medicine at Rush University Medical School, Saltzman said.

Chicago Tribune

Steven Saltzman, attorney for other suspect, 21-year-old Benedictine University student Muaz Haffer, said, "It is a very upseting time for these families. My client's family is a very close family, a very respectable family (which) is very upset about this and feels terrible for Mr. Malik's family."

NBC 5 Chicago

In court, his attorney, Steven Saltzman, glanced around anxiously, then told Judge Laura Sullivan: "He's gotten confused. He's had some surgery recently."

As Saltzman scurried back and forth in the courthouse lobby, some friends of the victim accused him of aiding a fugitive. Saltzman stopped and said, "Don't act like that." Later, Saltzman denied rumors his client might have left the country.

Chicago Suntimes

"He's gotten confused," Steven Saltzman said of his client, telling the judge Haffar, 21, had recently undergone medical procedures and must have been uncertain of what time he was to be in court.

"No," Saltzman said outside court. "He has not fled the country."

Chicago Tribune

Haffar's lawyer, Steven Saltzman, said neither he, nor the suspect's family, knows where Haffar is.

"If I knew where he was, he would have surrendered himself," Saltzman said. "His family wants him to turn himself in."

Chicago Tribune


“It’s speculation. Unfortunately, you all have done way too much speculating in this case,” said Haffar’s attorney Steven Saltzman. “It’s silly to speculate. We’ll know something when we know something.”

“I’ve said consistently, I think my client should be here,” Saltzman said.

CBS 2 Chicago