Nationalist motive ruled out in murder of couple near Mevo Horon, 16-year-old suspect indicted

The Central District Attorney’s Office will file an indictment today, Monday, against a 16-year-old from central Israel for the murder of Olga and Ruslan Frihudko, who were killed about three weeks ago near Mevo Horon. Indictments will also be filed against two residents of the territories for weapons offenses and illegal entry into Israel.

A joint investigation by the Central District police’s serious crime unit and the Shin Bet found that the suspect knew the victims beforehand. That finding led investigators to rule out a nationalist motive and strengthen the assessment that the killing was criminal in nature.

Police said the suspect tried to conceal his involvement after the murder, attempted to use the victims’ credit cards, and tried to hide the weapon. Central District Commander Amir Cohen called it “a vile murderer and a horrifying murder,” adding that the killer thought he could hide behind lies, concealment of evidence, manipulation, and obstruction of the investigation.

Cohen said investigators used intelligence, investigative, and technological methods to uncover the suspect and additional people involved. They also located the weapon used in the killing, and during a nighttime reenactment the suspect pointed out his route and the stages of the offenses. The probe also found that the two residents of the territories had access to the murder weapon.