Israeli Police Arrest Two Women Suspected in Beniho Razi Murder Plot in Jerusalem

Israeli police have arrested 19-year-old Shilat Huta from Beersheba and Linor Sasson, recently released from prison, on suspicion of involvement in the murder of Beniho Razi in Jerusalem. The arrests were disclosed on Wednesday following a request by Walla news. Authorities allege Huta played a significant role in planning the killing, which she denies. Police claim Huta contacted a criminal acquaintance after she and her friend, Razi's ex-girlfriend, were allegedly assaulted by Razi and his companion in a Nahlaot apartment, motivating the attack on them.

According to police, after escaping the Nahlaot apartment, Huta and her friend went to Sasson's home in Neve Yaakov, Jerusalem. Sasson, 50, has a criminal record including a recent conviction for extortion and threats. Police suspect Sasson facilitated the murder and helped afterward. At Sasson's residence, the suspects armed themselves with weapons and expressed intent to kill Razi and his friend, who remained in the Nahlaot apartment. Most suspects, residents of Pisgat Ze'ev, reportedly did not know Razi personally and were allegedly hired by the criminal contacted by Huta.

Sasson reportedly drove Huta and the other young woman back to Nahlaot. Huta entered the apartment to retrieve belongings while the other woman stayed in the car but watched the attack live via video call. The suspects then stabbed and beat Razi and his friend. Razi died from severe stab wounds, while his friend sustained minor injuries and alerted emergency services.

All suspects fled the scene, but police later arrested Razi's ex-girlfriend, Sasson, Huta (who was detained en route to Beersheba), and three minors. Police continue searching for additional suspects believed to be hiding. The injured friend was also detained briefly on suspicion of assaulting the women but was released under restrictions.

Huta and the minors’ detention was extended until Sunday, while Sasson and Razi's ex-girlfriend’s detention was extended until Thursday. Police charge Huta and Razi's ex-girlfriend with premeditated murder, which they deny, claiming ignorance of the suspects’ lethal intentions. Sasson's lawyer stated that while the case is serious, there is a significant gap between police allegations and the involved parties’ accounts, emphasizing Sasson’s lack of direct involvement in physical violence.

Beniho Razi’s murder has drawn significant attention due to the violent circumstances and the involvement of young women with criminal backgrounds. The investigation is ongoing as police seek to apprehend remaining suspects and clarify the full sequence of events.