Police say they have strong evidence that the father of 9-year-old Lila Jahjah of Ar'ara will be charged with murdering her. The case was reported first on Wednesday evening, and investigators say the evidence shows he fired the fatal shot, despite his denial that she was killed by stray fire.
According to the report, police believe the father fired at least 20 bullets during a confrontation with his two sons. The shooting took place during Eid al-Adha family meal, and one of the rounds struck Lila and killed her. The suspect is expected to be formally indicted for murder soon.
The father claims his daughter died from a stray bullet. However, witnesses told N12 that the girl was playing in the yard when her father fired in all directions, and one bullet entered her neck. Law-enforcement sources said the evidence clearly points to his responsibility for her death.
Police also said that when forces arrived at the scene, the father attacked the area deputy commander and prevented officers from taking a water hose from a relative who was cleaning the murder scene. The article did not say when the indictment would be filed.
