Israeli Police Arrest Two Women Suspected in Benyahu Razi Murder Plot

Shilat Huta, a 19-year-old woman from Beersheba, is among the suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Benyahu Razi, police announced on Wednesday. Another detainee is Linor Sasson, 50, a resident of Jerusalem's Neve Yaakov neighborhood, recently released from prison after serving time for extortion and fraud. Authorities allege that Huta played a significant role in planning the murder, which she denies. During a recent remand hearing, police claimed Huta "ordered the murder" after she and others were attacked in an apartment in the Nahalat neighborhood, prompting a decision to retaliate violently.

According to the investigation, after escaping the Nahalat apartment, Huta and an accomplice went to Sasson's residence. Sasson is suspected of facilitating the murder and assisting afterward. Both Huta and the victim’s former partner face charges of premeditated murder, which they deny, asserting they were unaware of any intent to kill. A judge extended their detention, citing reasonable suspicion.

At the remand hearing, the victim’s former partner vehemently denied involvement, stating, "Do you think I want my boyfriend murdered? I've been with him for three years. I'd rather be killed than him. Stop lying." Sasson, known to police for her criminal past, was sentenced in September 2024 to 21 months in prison for extortion and operating a high-interest loan sharking scheme. Her lawyer, Shalom Ben Shabat, said the allegations are serious but stressed there is a wide gap between police suspicions and the defendants’ accounts, denying any direct involvement in physical violence by Sasson. The investigation continues.