Indictment Filed Against Afula Resident for Brutal Stabbing of Elderly Man
State prosecutors filed a severe indictment against 39-year-old Shlomi Haim from Afula for the brutal, premeditated stabbing of a 66-year-old man heading to synagogue prayers.
The State Attorney's Office filed a severe indictment at the Nof HaGalil District Court against 39-year-old Shlomi Haim from Afula, following the brutal and premeditated assault of a 66-year-old local resident on his way to early morning Slichot prayers at a synagogue.
Details of the Indictment
According to the indictment, filed by Attorney Noy Shitrit from the Northern District Attorney's Office, Haim decided to attack the victim and cause him severe injuries, disability, or disfigurement. On August 25 at approximately 04:30 AM, the defendant arrived at a bus stop near the victim's home in Afula wearing a hat, a mask, and carrying a neutralizing spray and a sharp object.
As the victim left his home and walked toward his car to drive to morning prayers and Slichot, the defendant ambushed him, sprayed neutralizing substance, and stabbed him in the shoulder and chest with the sharp object. Attempting to escape further blows, the victim entered his car and lay inside while trying to kick the defendant away. The defendant forced his way into the vehicle and continued stabbing the victim repeatedly in his limbs and hands, also attempting to stab his face.
During the struggle, the victim managed to push the defendant out of the car. To make the attacker stop, the victim played dead, prompting the defendant to flee the scene and hide his bloodstained clothes and weapons in a nearby shelter.
Medical Condition and Arrest
The victim was evacuated in serious condition to HaEmek Medical Center in Afula, suffering from arterial bleeding, an exposed tendon, a broken thumb, and deep cuts requiring urgent medical care, stitches, and prolonged hospitalization. Forensic investigators and Northern District police officers tracked down Haim and arrested him two days later.
The indictment does not specify the motive for the attack. Investigators suspect the assault may be linked to the victim's involvement in criminal proceedings against a rabbi convicted of sex offenses, though the suspect strongly denied this claim.
