Suspect in Shay Yurkavitz Murder Case May Not Have Been at Crime Scene, Investigation Continues
On Thursday, the suspect in the attempted murder case related to Shay Yurkavitz was brought before the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court. The police presented investigative materials and confidential reports to Judge Itai Hermelin, requesting to keep the suspect, Ohana, in custody for further investigation. Police representative Sgt. Maj. Adv. Israel Sionov described the case as "very serious" and noted the investigation had been conducted discreetly.
During the hearing, Ohana's defense attorney, Ronen Rabbi, claimed that his client could not have been at the murder scene because he was under house arrest at the time for an unrelated case. Police acknowledged this claim had not yet been verified but stated that Ohana's exact location during the shooting was not decisive. The investigators suspect Ohana's involvement in the events leading to the murder and attempted murder, even if he was not physically present.
The police also revealed that Ohana initially denied knowing Yurkavitz and another individual named Matzrava, but investigators believe otherwise. They confirmed that Ohana admitted to knowing the person who allegedly shot the victims. Financial motives are also being examined, with the defense claiming Ohana was subjected to extortion and made payments to various parties. Police said the investigation covers these complex financial issues but stopped short of labeling them as extortion.
Police assert they have evidence linking Ohana to the incident but did not disclose details during the hearing. When asked if Ohana ordered the murder, the police representative declined to answer definitively, stating they need to hear from Ohana himself. Additional arrests are expected in the case.
The defense argued that mere acquaintance with involved individuals does not prove responsibility for the murder. Rabbi emphasized that Ohana, a father of three with no criminal record, may have referred someone to meet the victims but did not instruct harm. The court agreed to a shorter detention extension than requested, prolonging Ohana's custody by four days until August 23. Judge Hermelin urged the police to strengthen their suspicions before the next hearing.
