Family of IDF Hero Murdered in Nova Condemns Thieves Who Stole His Equipment After October 7 Attack

Nearly three years after the October 7 massacre, a sentencing hearing was held on Wednesday at the Beersheba Magistrate's Court for three defendants accused of stealing the sound system belonging to Matan Mordechai Lior, z"l. Lior was killed in Nova after heroically saving many lives during the attack. The verdict is scheduled for October 7.

Matan's mother, Sarah Lior, addressed the court harshly, condemning the defendants as "despicable thieves" who looted her son's sound equipment business just two days after the massacre amid chaos, burning cars, and bloodshed. She emphasized that Matan stayed to lead and save lives, earning a medal of valor from the President of Israel.

Matan's father, Ofer Lior, recounted how the family had to deal with the theft while searching for their son. "During the shiva, while trying to bring Matan home, I had to deal with this theft," he said, urging the court to impose the maximum penalty on the thieves who showed no respect for human values.

The prosecution called for harsh sentences, stating the defendants demonstrated a loss of humanity by stealing from a victim of the worst massacre. They also requested compensation for Lior's parents.

According to the indictment, on October 9, 2023, Ram Shaheen, Daniel Hasson, and San Lucian Tevel entered the Nova massacre site under false pretenses, claiming to collect equipment for a missing friend, and stole Lior's sound system and generator. One even falsely presented himself to police as Lior's business partner, leading to the release of the stolen goods. Shaheen was convicted of aggravated theft and fraud after trial; Hasson and Tevel were convicted through plea deals for aiding theft and attempted fraud. Shaheen faces up to seven years in prison, Hasson up to five, and Tevel up to four.

Defense claims that Sarah Lior's statements were emotional appeals unrelated to the theft were rejected by Judge Amir Doron, who affirmed the verdict's findings and allowed her testimony to be heard in court.