Israeli Prison Officer and Inmate Arrested for Helping Suspect Flee in Benyahu Razi Murder Case

A dramatic development has emerged in the investigation of Benyahu Razi's murder. A 34-year-old female Israel Prison Service (IPS) officer from Hod Hasharon and an inmate, who is the brother of the main suspect Abior Sasson, were arrested on suspicion of aiding his escape from law enforcement. The inmate, serving a sentence for running a loan sharking and extortion network, allegedly maintained a romantic relationship with the IPS officer while she was stationed at the central Israel prison where he was held. Authorities suspect that through this relationship and the officer's mobile phone, the inmate helped his brother Abior evade capture.

Intelligence within the IPS uncovered indications of this connection and the suspected misuse of the officer's phone, which was reported to the police, leading to their arrests. It remains unclear how extensive the assistance was or whether the phone was used to pass instructions or information to help Abior remain at large. Rotem Hila Zaken, head of investigations in the Zion district, emphasized that the manhunt continues around the clock and that all involved in the crime or aiding the suspect will be pursued to ensure justice.

The IPS spokesperson, Brigadier General Zivon Freidin, highlighted the organization's intelligence capabilities and zero tolerance for misconduct, noting ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight, including polygraph testing. The murder victim, 19-year-old Benyahu Razi, was killed on July 11 in a short-term rental apartment in the Nahalat neighborhood of Jerusalem. He and a friend were lured to the apartment under the pretense of meeting two women, Agam Tzarfati, Razi's ex-girlfriend, and her friend Shilat Khuta. Additional suspects arrived later, attacked Razi with various weapons, and killed him. The friend escaped with minor injuries.

Police suspect that Tzarfati, Khuta, and Abior's mother, Mazal Linor Sasson, played roles in planning the attack and coordinating the assailants. The attackers reportedly brought knives, bats, and a meat tenderizer, and the assault was even broadcast live to some of the suspects. All accused deny the allegations. Investigators are also examining whether a purported reconciliation meeting before the attack was a setup to lure Razi into a false sense of security.

Abior Sasson, 17, is considered a central suspect and was seen fleeing the scene. His name and photo were publicly released despite his minor status, with police warning that aiding him could result in up to three years imprisonment. Several suspects have been detained for allegedly providing him shelter, including a relative. Police believe he is avoiding phone use and hiding under basic conditions to evade detection. The investigation continues in the Jerusalem district's central unit, focusing on clarifying each suspect's role in the murder, its planning, execution, and subsequent escape assistance.