Murder of Parikhodko Couple Solved as Police Rule Out Terror Motive

Israeli prosecutors are expected to file an indictment on Monday against a teenage suspect from central Israel for the murder of Olga and Ruslan Parikhodko, who were found dead in their car near Mevo Ilan and Mishmar Ayalon on May 22. Police and the Shin Bet said the killing was criminal, not nationalist, after an initial suspicion of a terror attack.

According to the investigation by the Central District police’s major crimes unit and the Shin Bet, the suspect knew the couple beforehand, a detail investigators said helped them rule out a nationalist motive and reinforce the criminal one. Police also said they recovered the weapon used in the killing.

Investigators said the suspect tried to cover up his role after the murder, including by attempting to use the victims’ credit cards and by hiding the weapon. He also reenacted his movements and the stages of the crime in a nighttime reconstruction at the scene.

During the investigation, several additional suspects were arrested by Border Police forces in the West Bank. Indictments are also expected against two West Bank residents for shooting offenses and illegal entry into Israel, after investigators found they had access to the murder weapon. Central District Commander Amir Cohen called it “a vile murderer” and “a shocking murder,” saying the suspect thought he could hide behind lies, evidence destruction, manipulation, and obstruction of the investigation.