New Details Emerge in Child Abduction Case as Suspect's Detention Extended

A Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court on Monday extended the arrest of Yigal Buskila, 19, from Jerusalem, by three days. Buskila is suspected of abducting 10-year-old Yahli Sofer from Petah Tikva. This marks the fifth time his detention has been extended. New details revealed during the hearing shed light on the hours Buskila held Sofer. According to a police representative, the child cried in a shelter and asked to leave, but Buskila prevented him from doing so. The suspect has not denied the events.

Police stated that two prosecutors reviewed the case and provided instructions for further investigation into the main incident and related events. Despite the suspect's identity and photo being released late last week, no new complaints beyond the three currently under investigation have been filed. Buskila's attorney, Noam Gutman of the Public Defense, argued for his client's release to house arrest, citing his difficult mental state and his mother's willingness to supervise him.

The suspect's mother, who traveled from Jerusalem, stated that her son has not lived at home recently and only visits occasionally for money, often sleeping in shelters. She expressed her commitment to supervising him, along with her husband and other sons. However, Judge Oren Boaz questioned her ability to ensure supervision, given the suspect's recent living situation and her responsibility for ten other children.

Judge Boaz denied the request for house arrest, stating that while one investigative action might not be jeopardized, he did not see grounds for release. He ordered Buskila's detention extended until Wednesday, urging the prosecution to present a statement of charges or an indictment by the next hearing.