Cold Case Cold Case: Detective Recalls Unraveling 1990s Tel Aviv Murders

Former police investigator Ephraim "Kremshnitt" Erlich recounted his role in solving a series of murders in Tel Aviv during the 1990s, a case that initially baffled authorities. The investigation began when Erlich, then a drug squad officer, recognized an address reported in connection with three bodies found in an apartment. Driven by a hunch and his dedication to his work, he convinced his partner, Dudi Barak, to pursue the lead, despite initial skepticism.

Their investigation led them to another apartment in Jaffa, where they discovered four more bodies hidden in a bedroom. The discovery was made possible by Erlich's keen observation of rags stuffed under the door to seal it, and a neighbor's assistance in contacting his commander. The case ultimately involved seven victims, with a neighbor identifying a suspect who allegedly lured victims to apartments, supplied them with drugs, and then strangled them using a fan cord.

The suspect, identified as a drug dealer, reportedly fled to the Gaza Strip and was later apprehended there with the cooperation of the IDF's Samson unit. Erlich stated that those involved were prosecuted and sentenced to seven life sentences each. The motive for the murders remained complex and debated for years, with theories ranging from underworld financial disputes in the prostitution and drug trades to nationalistic motives, suggesting some killings were intended as a "test of loyalty" for Hamas.

Erlich, who earned his nickname "Kremshnitt" during his undercover unit service due to a persistent request for a pastry, reflected on how the case began with a small debt and a seemingly insignificant address. He noted the significant advancements in police technology since then, with widespread surveillance cameras and mobile phone tracking, contrasting it with his own investigative methods relying on intuition and street knowledge.

Decades later, Erlich has transitioned from detective work to driving a taxi in Tel Aviv. He still remembers the details of the case, from the initial radio report to the rags under the door, and the neighbor's candle. He acknowledged that while the city's streets remain familiar, his perspective has changed from investigating its "darkest side" to serving its residents.