Development in the investigation of Eldar Dayan's death: The footage that may clear his friends of murder
New evidence examined by the police shows Eldar Dayan bruised in a convenience store after a fight, and strengthens the claim of his two friends that he died of a brain hemorrhage as a result of the blows he sustained. The findings may lead to a change in the suspicions against the five young men involved in the brawl. The detention of all suspects has been extended until Monday, and any further request will require the approval of the Attorney General.
A significant development in the investigation of the murder of Eldar Dayan is expected to dramatically affect the legal status of those involved in the case. New evidence examined in recent days by the police is expected to assist his two friends, Omri Peretz and Maxim Barberman, who are currently suspected of his murder. At the same time, the same evidence may complicate the situation for five young men, residents of Petah Tikva, suspected of participating in the fight that preceded Dayan's death.
At the center of the investigative development is a security video in which Dayan and his two friends are seen entering a convenience store at a gas station, shortly after they were involved in a fight with the five young men. According to police findings, Dayan is seen in the footage bruised, after allegedly sustaining blows from those involved in the brawl. These findings strengthen the version of Peretz and Barberman, who claim that Dayan was hit in the head during the fight and likely suffered from a brain hemorrhage that led to his death.
In light of this, the suspicions against the five young men from Petah Tikva, who until now were suspected only of causing bodily harm, may change and even significantly worsen to an indictment for responsibility for his death. From the details of the investigation, it appears that after the fight, Dayan and his friends arrived at the gas station in Petah Tikva, where they abandoned their vehicle. After staying in the convenience store, the three entered an adjacent open area, and since then Dayan's tracks disappeared until his body was found in that same area. His friends stated in their interrogation that they split up in the area, and after failing to locate him, returned to their homes in Dimona using public transportation.
On the legal front, the five young men from Petah Tikva were brought yesterday to a hearing at the Magistrate's Court in the city, as part of the police's request to extend their detention. Their lawyers asked to release them to house arrest, but the judge rejected the request and extended their detention until Monday. In parallel, the detention of the two friends, Peretz and Barberman, was also extended until Monday. Next week will mark 30 days of their detention, and this means that in order to request a further extension of detention from the court, the police will be required to obtain an exceptional approval from the Attorney General.
