Israeli prosecutors are preparing to indict seven individuals in connection with the July killing of 19-year-old Benayahu Razi in Jerusalem, authorities announced Tuesday. The announcement follows a three-week investigation that involved a series of arrests and an extended manhunt.
The case began on July 11, when police responded to reports of serious violence at a short-term rental apartment in the Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem. Upon arrival, officers found two injured individuals, including Razi, who was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead.
Six suspects, including minors, were apprehended on the first night of the investigation. Subsequently, law enforcement expanded their inquiries to apprehend additional individuals believed to have been involved in the violence, tampering with evidence, or aiding suspects in evading capture.
Among the suspects is 17-year-old Jerusalem resident Avior Sasson, who was identified as a primary suspect early in the probe. Following a public call for assistance to locate him, Sasson was arrested on July 28 after more than two weeks on the run.
The court extended the suspects’ detention until Friday to allow prosecutors sufficient time to prepare formal charges. A prosecutor’s declaration has been submitted against the seven individuals, signaling that indictments are likely to be filed in the coming days.
Legal representatives for some suspects have offered statements regarding their clients’ involvement. Attorneys Idan Gamlieli and Ofer Ehrlich, representing a minor through the Public Defender’s Office, characterized the incident as tragic. They stated the minor has expressed deep remorse and denies direct involvement in Razi’s death.
Attorneys Roy Politi and Omri Stern, representing accused suspect Agam Tzarfi, described her relationship with Razi as toxic and violent. They noted that Tzarfi, a 19-year-old soldier, had previously filed complaints with police alleging assault by Razi, supported by evidence she submitted. According to her legal team, Tzarfi had been confined to the rental apartment over the weekend of the incident and was apprehensive about retrieving her belongings alone. They assert that she requested others accompany her out of fear of further violence and contend that the fatal violence inside the apartment occurred without her participation or control. They expressed hope that prosecutors will reconsider indicting her.
Prosecutors have yet to disclose their detailed account of each suspect’s role in the case. Those details are expected to emerge once formal indictments are filed.