Police Assign New Team to Investigate 2025 Jerusalem Murder Case

More than 18 months after Anastasia Orlov was found dead in her Jerusalem apartment, Israeli police have taken the unusual step of assigning a new investigative team to re-examine the case. The decision aims to bring fresh perspectives to the evidence and testimonies collected in the murder investigation, which has seen no significant breakthroughs.

The Jerusalem District Central Investigations Unit requested the review, hoping the new team will identify overlooked details or new angles that could lead to identifying the perpetrator. The original investigation has been extensive, involving over 100 witness interviews, international cooperation, advanced tools, and 16 gag orders to maintain secrecy.

Orlov, 38, a mother of one, was discovered deceased in her Kiryat Yovel neighborhood apartment on January 17, 2025. She worked at Hadassah Hospital and held advanced degrees in health systems from a Jerusalem university. Friends described her as a dedicated woman with a deep commitment to animals and volunteer work.

Initially investigated by the Moriah station, the case was quickly transferred to the Central Unit and classified as a murder investigation due to complex forensic findings and sensitive evidence. Police commanders, including Jerusalem District Commander Superintendent Absalom Peled, regularly review progress on unsolved murder cases, including Orlov's.

The victim's family, represented by attorney Nava Zerenger, is frustrated by the lack of arrests after 19 months. Pathological findings confirmed the murder, and Zerenger has appealed to the Police Commissioner to personally review the case, emphasizing the need for results.