Convicted Killer of Teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir Dies at 42

Yosef Haim Ben David, who was convicted of the murder of teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir, died Thursday at the age of 42. Ben David was rushed from prison to the hospital due to a cardiac issue.

Ben David was sentenced to life imprisonment plus an additional 20 years for the 2014 murder. Two minors, including Ben David's nephew, were also convicted in the killing and received life sentences plus 21 years.

The murder was carried out in retaliation for the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers, Gil-Ad Shaer, Naftali Fraenkel, and Eyal Yifrah, a few weeks prior. Abu Khdeir's body was found in the Jerusalem Forest, and an investigation by the Shin Bet security agency led to the identification of the three perpetrators.

During a reconstruction of the crime, Ben David described pouring gasoline and kicking the victim's body, stating, "This is for the kidnapped boys." He also mentioned being taught that such acts were a "sanctification of God's name." The Abu Khdeir family was present throughout the trial and reportedly refused to have the victim's name added to a memorial for victims of hostile acts on Mount Herzl.

Previously, an appeal by the three murderers was rejected, and a petition by the Abu Khdeir family to demolish the perpetrators' homes was denied.