Suspect Reenacts Murder of Fatima Rajabi, Hiding Body in Barrel

Israeli police have solved the murder of Fatima Rajabi, who disappeared approximately three weeks ago. Exclusive footage from the reenactment of the crime, revealed on Thursday evening, shows suspect Saleh Othman guiding investigators through the events. Othman allegedly met Rajabi, whom he knew from the Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem where she worked as a freelance body washer and he as an air conditioning technician. Rajabi had loaned Othman tens of thousands of shekels, and when she demanded the money back, he arranged a meeting.

According to the investigation, Othman picked Rajabi up in his car, promising to repay her. He then allegedly attacked her with a hammer inside the vehicle. Afterward, he drove to central Israel, disposed of the hammer in a bag, and later returned home. He then hid her body in an industrial barrel in a nearby warehouse, filling it with sealant in an attempt to conceal the body and its odor. Investigators documented Othman withdrawing cash using Rajabi's credit card.

Othman surrendered to police five days after Rajabi's disappearance, reportedly after confessing to a family member who urged him to go to the authorities. During his interrogation, he confessed, reenacted the crime, and led investigators to the barrel and the location where the hammer was discarded. In a recorded exchange, Othman admitted Rajabi was conscious after the first two blows from the hammer and that he used sealant to prevent the body's odor from escaping.

With the investigation complete, a statement of charges has been filed against Othman. His remand has been extended until Monday, when an indictment is expected.