Update: Bail set at $1 million for suspect in Dollar Tree parking lot stabbing

A Kennewick man claims he was defending himself when he stabbed his girlfriend’s ex outside the Kennewick Dollar Tree store Monday night.

Abdullah A. Hussein, 27, appeared Monday afternoon by video at a preliminary hearing in Benton County Superior Court, following his arrest on suspicion of second-degree murder.

He is accused of fatally stabbing Ali Al Juboori, 26, of Kennewick, when their argument turned violent.

Hussein’s attorney, Daniel Stovern, said that Al Juboori has a lengthy history of harassing his former girlfriend.

“The alleged victim in this case has a history of domestic violence against Mr. Hussein’s girlfriend, who was present (during the altercation),” Stovern told Judge Jackie Shea Brown.

“Despite the relationship between the alleged victim and Mr. Hussein’s girlfriend ending years ago, he continued to harass her and Mr. Hussein,” he said.

Shea Brown still set bail at $1 million until prosecutors decide if they will formally charge him. The next court date is set for Feb. 6.

Deputy Prosecutor Josh Lilly asked that Hussein, in the meantime, be barred from talking with any witnesses including his girlfriend.

Stovern objected, noting she is part of Hussein’s support system, and preventing him from talking with her would be unfair.

“She is not a victim of this crime. Certainly, he’s not getting out of jail on that amount of bail,” Stovern said. “I’ve already personally instructed him not to discuss the case with anyone other than his attorney, but the idea that we’re cutting him off from his support group at exactly the time he needs them the most seems cruel.”

Stovern also noted that Hussein has no criminal history.

Shea Brown agreed with Stovern and said that Hussein could talk with his girlfriend, but they are not allowed to discuss the case.

Fight at Dollar Tree parking lot

Security footage from Dollar Tree shows Al Juboori and his mother park at the Kennewick store about 9:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, and going inside, court documents said.

Hussein, his girlfriend and their small child park next to Al Juboori’s car and also enter the store, court documents said.

Juboori and Hussein’s girlfriend had dated for about five years before breaking it off in 2021. The relationship was marked with domestic violence, she told investigators.

While Hussein was inside, Juboori left the store and allegedly stood in the shadows near the front of his ex-girlfriend’s car, court documents said.

Hussein’s girlfriend and another witness saw Juboori standing there when Hussein, his girlfriend and the child came outside.

Juboori reportedly charged at Hussein and they fought.

Juboori stumbled back and collapsed. He was stabbed once in the chest, said investigators. Hussein then reportedly told his girlfriend to call 911 because he had stabbed Juboori.

A witness tried to provide medical help before police arrived. Kennewick firefighters arrived minutes later, but weren’t able to save Juboori, who died at the scene.

When police found Hussein, he allegedly said, “I did it. The knife is on the back of my car.”

Police found the knife, which Hussein says he normally carries, on top of his trunk.

Hussein was arrested in the parking lot and taken to the Benton County jail in Kennewick.

Juboori’s death is the first homicide this year in Benton County. Last year, there were just two homicides in the county.

Kennewick police said detectives are still investigating the stabbing, and anyone with more information is asked to call 509-528-4208.

This story was originally published February 3, 2026 at 9:22 AM.