Police Discover Suspected Murder Weapon in Jerusalem Woman's Death

Israeli police have announced new findings in the investigation into the suspected murder of 61-year-old Fatima ar-Rajabi, discovering an object believed to be the murder weapon. Investigators conducted a reconstruction of the crime with the primary suspect, a man in his 60s from an Arab neighborhood of Jerusalem. The suspect was apprehended days after ar-Rajabi was reported missing. Following his arrest, investigators located the victim's body in an Arab neighborhood of Jerusalem, and it was subsequently sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification and cause of death determination, though police note the identification process is ongoing.

Authorities have established that the suspect knew ar-Rajabi and believe the motive for the killing was a financial debt he owed her. Ar-Rajabi's relatives previously stated the debt was approximately 60,000 shekels, and that the suspect had gambling debts. The family also claims the suspect stole gold jewelry, cash, and a bank card from the victim after her death.

The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court extended the suspect's detention until September 27, following a police request. The investigation remains active.