Jerusalem District Court ordered the continued detention of seven suspects—four minors and three adults—in connection with the July murder of Benayahu Razi, 19, of Givat Ze'ev. The court extended their custody until Friday, when prosecutors plan to file formal indictments.
The courtroom hearing was marked by emotional confrontations. When the suspects entered the courtroom, members of Razi's family reacted with forceful expressions of grief and anger. Razi's mother directed remarks toward the female suspects, asking, "What are you crying about? You killed my son!"
The murder occurred in a rental apartment in the Nachalot neighborhood of Jerusalem in late July. According to the investigation, Razi and a friend were attacked by a group of teenagers. The friend was wounded by stabbings; Razi died from his injuries.
Police Present Evidence of Coordination
During the court hearing, police presented evidence suggesting the attack was coordinated rather than spontaneous. According to prosecutors, two young women in the apartment were the "brains" behind the murder and actively recruited the group that carried out the attack. Police alleged that the women not only coordinated the assault but also watched it unfold in real time via video call and urged the attackers to intensify the violence.
Police presented text message evidence, including a message from one of the female suspects stating "he died today" and threatening messages sent directly to Razi before the attack.
Investigation Reveals Tampering Attempts
The investigation has also uncovered attempts to obstruct justice. According to police, after the attack, the two female suspects allegedly attempted to pressure the younger sister of one of the suspects to take responsibility for the incriminating messages and the crime itself. They allegedly promised that the minor would face lighter punishment due to her age. The sister reportedly refused to cooperate.
A prison official was also arrested on suspicion of obstruction of justice and breach of trust. According to authorities, she had maintained contact with an inmate who is the brother of the primary suspect and allegedly aided the primary suspect while he was evading police.
Main Suspect Apprehended After Extended Search
The primary suspect, a 17-year-old, was arrested following a two-and-a-half-week manhunt. He was apprehended entering Jerusalem through an underground tunnel. In his interrogation, the suspect claimed he acted in self-defense during a confrontation. Police rejected this account, characterizing it as inconsistent with evidence gathered at the scene.
Public defenders Idan Gamlieli and Ofer Arlich, representing one of the minors through the Public Defender's Office, stated: "This is a tragic event. The minor has expressed deep sorrow about the incident and, according to his claims, has no direct connection to Benayahu's death."
The court will reconvene Friday to receive formal indictments from prosecutors.
