Family Members Sentenced for Murder of Pregnant Woman in Lod
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Three family members were sentenced to 15 to 22 years in prison for the 2023 murder of Aya Abu Hajaj, 26, in Lod. Her half-brother received 22 years, her cousin 17 years, and her father 15 years for aiding and abetting. The court also ordered over 300,000 shekels in compensation to her two young children. The murder occurred after Aya refused to return to her father's family home.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Three family members received prison sentences of 15 to 22 years for the 2023 murder of Aya Abu Hajaj in Lod.
- Aya's half-brother was sentenced to 22 years, her cousin to 17 years, and her father to 15 years.
- The convicted individuals must pay over 300,000 shekels in compensation to Aya's two young children.
- The murder was motivated by Aya's refusal to live with her father's family in Hura.
- Aya was pregnant and killed in front of her children by her half-brother and cousin.
The Central District Court in Lod has sentenced three family members to lengthy prison terms for the 2023 murder of Aya Abu Hajaj, 26, who was pregnant and killed in front of her two young children. Her paternal half-brother received 22 years for aggravated murder, while her cousin received 17 years. Both were minors at the time of the crime. Aya's father was sentenced to 15 years for aiding and abetting the murder and other offenses.
The court also ordered the three convicted individuals to pay over 300,000 shekels in compensation to Aya's children. The indictment stated the murder stemmed from Aya's refusal to return to live with her father's family in Hura, as she and her sisters supported their mother's stance against returning.
According to the indictment, two minors, masked and armed with knives, waited near Aya's home. The following morning, as Aya left for kindergarten with her four and five-year-old children, her half-brother emerged from a vehicle, attacked her, and stabbed her approximately 20 times, even after she fell and attempted to defend herself. Medical teams were unable to save her or her unborn child.
Prosecutors Sharon Mishal and Eliran Ashkenazi noted that the verdicts bring closure for those responsible, acknowledging the bravery of Aya's mother, sisters, and other family members who testified despite difficulties. They expressed hope that the legal proceedings would help the family begin healing.
Lawyer Lekol Temsut, representing Aya's family through legal aid, stated that the family can now focus on caring for and rehabilitating Aya's orphaned children, who have faced immense hardship since their mother's death.
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