Jerusalem Court Weighs Release of Murder Suspect's Mother Amid Heated Hearing

The Jerusalem District Court is expected to rule today on the potential house arrest of Linor Sasson, the mother of the main suspect in the murder of Benyahu Raz. Sasson, 46, is accused of aiding and abetting and obstructing justice, with her significant criminal past, including prior convictions for fraud, threats, and extortion, central to the proceedings. Her husband is also a convicted felon who previously escaped prison and fired at police officers.

Investigators allege Sasson drove her son to commit the murder and subsequently helped him escape, instructing others on how to evade capture and leave Jerusalem to hinder the investigation. A representative for victims' rights argued that Sasson's criminal history demonstrates she cannot be trusted and is capable of manipulating others and obstructing justice even from afar, advocating for her continued detention until the trial concludes.

The court hearing was marked by intense confrontations. Dekla, Benyahu Raz's mother, reported that a family member of another suspect yelled at her to "shut her mouth" and threatened a lawsuit. Dekla strongly opposed Sasson's potential release, stating, "If a mother chooses to take her son to acts of violence and murder, it means she is not thinking about her children but using them." She added, "Everyone there should be in jail, until their last day. They pose a danger. They are murderers in every sense, they are accused of intentional murder and I hope they will be held accountable and that we will not have to fear them or suffer from them anymore."

According to the indictment against seven defendants, two women, Shilat Huta and Agam Tzorfati, rented an apartment for a weekend with the deceased and a friend. After several days, disputes arose, leading them to Sasson's apartment, whom they did not know previously. An armed group formed there, acquiring weapons like clubs, knives, and a hammer. Tzorfati allegedly watched the attack live via video call, smiling at times. Police emphasize that all suspects actively participated in the violent incident that resulted in Raz's death.