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The Victim in Surprise

The Victim in Surprise

By: Eileen Zenn
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On June 6th, 2017, Amal Bahjat was found murdered in her home in Surprise, Arizona. On a wall in the house, a message had been scrawled in Arabic—what seemed a warning from the killer or killers, since Amal, a former Muslim, had converted to Christianity and was vocal about her new faith. Amal was active on a television ministry broadcast for the Kurdish community in the US—but only as someone who called in to bear her testimony of Jesus Christ. She never appeared physically on any television program or video. Although her murder may appear to have been a consequence of Amal’s conversion and activity in the ministry, the host Eileen sees it differently. After going through public documents and forensic evidence, she strongly believes that her friend’s murder was not motivated by religion—but that she was killed by someone close to her. A month prior to her murder, Amal called 911 and reported a kidnapping attempt. Two policemen showed up at her residence in Surprise, but found Amal utterly calm and collected. She didn’t show any sign of fear or stress. In addition, according to people close to her, Amal had received phone threats in the days leading up to her murder. But Amal never reported these to the police, nor did their postmortem investigation turn up any suspicious messages or voice mails in her phone record. Amal’s husband Jihad was also a convert to Christianity. Yet she alone fell victim to the alleged extremist’s attack. This case was solvable back in 2017—but the police of Surprise botched it. Eileen exposes the incompetence of the local detectives, and their mishandling of crucial evidence. Please join Eileen as she unravels the threads of the unsolved murder of her friend. The story has never been told until now—and the rabbit hole she went down will thrill and appall you with its many twists and turns.Copyright 2026 Eileen Zenn Politics & Government Spirituality True Crime
Episodes
  • S2 - Episode 5 - Let’s Talk About Trash and Temperature

    S2 - Episode 5 - Let’s Talk About Trash and Temperature
    Jun 30 2026

    In this final episode, we go on a deep dive into two important and unfortunately overlooked pieces of evidence that could have helped with this case. Amal's body temperature at time of death & also the trash from the crime scene.

    Why was one not looked into at all and the other only slightly touch upon?

    This season closes out with lots of questions, with aspirations, & with the hope that this case will be solved one day.

    Through her work and determination, our host Eileen Zenn continues to uncover more information about this unsolved case. While some of this has been very discouraging, Eileen will not give up, and that is why we have returned.

    Join the Victim in Surprise Facebook Group

    The opening and closing theme is "Rania" from the band Constantine.

    This podcast is speculative and any theory presented is not proof of anyone’s guilt. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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    22 mins
  • S2 - Episode 4 - Money and Sex

    S2 - Episode 4 - Money and Sex
    Jun 23 2026

    The week, we will guide you in this episode into, not only the couple’s bedroom, but into their financial records.

    Also in this episode, we the answer the question: Why was it that Amal’s name was not on the deed?

    Plus What did a detective back in 2017 accused Jihad of?

    Tune in to learn the details of Money and Sex

    Join the Victim in Surprise Facebook Group

    The opening and closing theme is "Rania" from the band Constantine.

    This podcast is speculative and any theory presented is not proof of anyone’s guilt. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • S2 - Episode 3 - Second Report/BIANCA!

    S2 - Episode 3 - Second Report/BIANCA!
    Jun 16 2026

    In this episode, We will cover the second report received from the Phoenix Police Department. This includes a report made by Amal's stepson in regards to a few phone calls that were made to him a couple of years ago.

    Also covered is more interviews from the day after the murder, this time by Amin and his wife Bianca. Each time we share a fact about this crime, more lies told by the people who surrounded Amal in her last days come to light.

    Join the Victim in Surprise Facebook Group

    The opening and closing theme is "Rania" from the band Constantine.

    This podcast is speculative and any theory presented is not proof of anyone’s guilt. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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