Kidnapping Suspect's Detention Extended Amid Disturbing Shelter Details

A Jerusalem man, 19-year-old Yigal Buskila, had his remand extended for the fifth time by the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court on Monday, as he is suspected of kidnapping a 10-year-old boy in Bnei Brak several weeks ago. During the hearing, shocking new details emerged regarding the hours the child was held in a shelter. A police representative described the child's ordeal, stating that the boy cried in the shelter, repeatedly asked to be released, and placed his head on the suspect while crying. Buskila allegedly prevented the child from leaving the shelter.

The police indicated that Buskila does not deny the accusations against him. The case is being closely examined by two prosecutors who have issued clear instructions for further investigation into both the main kidnapping incident and other related matters. Despite Buskila's identity being cleared for publication last week, only three main complaints have been filed so far, with no new reports received.

Buskila's defense attorney requested his release to house arrest, citing his client's complex mental state and suggesting supervision by his mother. She argued that Buskila, who has been living away from home and occasionally asking for money, suffers from mental difficulties. However, the judge questioned the mother's ability to effectively supervise her son, especially given his living situation. The mother and her husband expressed willingness to provide supervision with their older sons, but the judge denied the request.

Ultimately, the judge extended Buskila's detention by three days, until Wednesday, partially granting the police's request for an extension until Friday. The judge also mandated that at the next hearing, the prosecution must present either a formal statement of charges or a full indictment with a request for detention until the proceedings conclude.

The child reportedly provided investigators with new details about the incident, describing how he was led into a closed shelter and managed to escape. He was later found wandering in Bnei Brak by a concerned citizen who alerted the police.