Prosecutors intend to indict seven suspects over their alleged involvement in the killing of 19-year-old Benayahu Razi in Jerusalem last month, police announced Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a three-week investigation that included a prolonged manhunt and a widening series of arrests.
A prosecutor’s declaration was submitted against the seven suspects, indicating that the indictments are expected to be filed in the coming days.
The court extended their detention until Friday to allow prosecutors to prepare the charges.
The investigation began on July 11, when police received a report of serious violence at a short-term rental apartment in Jerusalem’s Nachlaot neighborhood. Officers found two people wounded at the scene, including Razi, who police said was found without signs of life.
Six suspects, some of them minors, were arrested during the first night of the investigation.
Police subsequently expanded the circle of arrests to include people suspected of involvement in the violence, interfering with evidence and helping other suspects evade investigators.
Prosecutors signal indictments against seven in Benayahu Razi murder case
As the investigation continued, police publicly identified 17-year-old Jerusalem resident Avior Sasson as a central suspect and sought the public’s assistance in locating him. He was arrested on July 28 following a manhunt lasting more than two weeks.
Attorneys Idan Gamlieli and Ofer Ehrlich, who represent one of the minors on behalf of the Public Defender’s Office, described the killing as a “tragic incident.”
“The minor expressed deep sorrow over what happened,” they said, adding that he maintains he had no direct role in causing Razi’s death.
Attorneys Roy Politi and Omri Stern, who represent suspect Agam Tzarfi, said the 19-year-old soldier had been in what they described as a toxic and violent relationship with Razi.
They said Tzarfi had previously filed police complaints alleging that Razi had assaulted her and had provided police with supporting material. They further alleged that she had been confined in the rental apartment during the weekend of the killing and was afraid to return alone to collect personal belongings.
According to her attorneys, Tzarfi asked others to accompany her because she feared she would again be attacked or prevented from leaving. They said the violence that later developed inside the apartment took place without her participation, presence or control.
“She regrets the tragic outcome,” the attorneys said, adding that they expect prosecutors to reconsider whether to indict her.
The defense claims have not been tested in court, and the prosecution has not yet published its account of the suspects’ respective roles. Those details are expected to become clearer when the indictments are filed.