Husband of slain Iraqi woman could get life in prison for killing that drew world attention

An Iraqi immigrant could get life in prison for his wife's fatal beating, which initially drew international condemnation when authorities believed it was a hate crime.

Kassim Alhimidi (ahl-huh-MEE'-dee) is scheduled to be sentenced Monday in San Diego Superior Court for killing Shaima Alawadi at their home in 2012 in El Cajon, a suburb east of San Diego.

Prosecutors said he killed her because she planned to divorce him. The couple's eldest daughter found her in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor. Alawadi died two days later.

A note found nearby read: "This is my country, go back to yours, you terrorist."

That set off a hate-crime investigation, but investigators later determined the note was a photocopy that was possibly planted in the house.