Man Charged with Poisoning Five Infants with Sedatives in Baby Food
Jerusalem District Prosecutors have filed an indictment against Yan Shamla, 41, from Beersheba, for allegedly poisoning five infants in Jerusalem. Shamla is accused of using dangerous poison, assaulting a minor or helpless person, and theft. Prosecutors are seeking his detention until the end of legal proceedings.
According to the indictment, between May and June of this year, Shamla possessed prescription benzodiazepine pills, such as Clonex and Lorivan, which are prohibited for use by children. He is alleged to have crushed at least 17 pills and mixed them into "Prinoch" brand fruit purees, which he placed for sale at "Zol U'Vagadol" chain stores on Jaffa Street.
As a result of his actions, unsuspecting mothers purchased the purees. In one incident, infants aged 3.5 months and 8 months lost consciousness after consuming the puree and were evacuated to intensive care at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital. In another case, three infants experienced confusion and loss of muscle tone at a playground and were hospitalized. Blood tests indicated poisoning at ten times the permissible level.
The investigation, described as complex and thorough, was conducted by the Jerusalem District Police and the Shin Bet. Investigators reviewed hundreds of hours of security camera footage. Despite Shamla having no direct connection to the victims, they were able to identify him and make an arrest. Following the incidents, the purees were removed from shelves, and closure orders were issued for the involved branches.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
