Was the suspect not at the scene? Developments in the Shay Yorkevich murder investigation
Six months after the murder in the Hatikva neighborhood, 39-year-old Israel Ohana from Bat Yam was arrested on suspicion of murdering Shay Yorkevich and attempting to murder Muhammad Masarwa. His attorney claims he was under house arrest at the time, but police maintain he was involved. The judge extended his detention by four days, demanding that investigators strengthen their evidence.
Today, Thursday, Israel Ohana was brought to the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court. The police presented investigation materials and secret reports to Judge Itai Hermelin, requesting to keep the suspect in custody. Police representative Chief Inspector Israel Siaunov defined the incident as "very serious" and emphasized that the investigation has been conducted under the radar.
During the hearing, defense attorney Ronen Rabi argued that Ohana could not have been at the murder scene because he was under house arrest for another case at the time. The police were not swayed by this claim. The investigating unit representative clarified that even if the alibi is verified, it does not negate the suspicion of Ohana's involvement in orchestrating the crime.
In other words, the suspicion attributed to Ohana focuses not necessarily on who pulled the trigger, but on his potential role in the events leading to the murder and attempted murder. While Ohana claimed during interrogation that he did not know the victims, investigators believe otherwise. The police representative confirmed that Ohana is acquainted with the person who allegedly carried out the attack.
Financial motives are also being examined. The defense attorney stated that Ohana himself had been a victim of extortion and had transferred funds. The police representative acknowledged that the investigation involves "all this mess," though he refrained from explicitly labeling the events as extortion at this stage.
Police claim they have evidence linking Ohana to the incident, though details were not disclosed in court. They also confirmed that further arrests are expected.
At the end of the hearing, the parties reached an agreement on a shorter detention extension than originally requested. Judge Hermelin noted that he recommended the agreement "in view of the state of the evidence" and extended Ohana's detention until August 23, while sending a clear message to investigators: "The police are requested to strengthen the suspicions by the next hearing."
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