The Jerusalem District Court on Monday 18 Kislev announced the verdict of three suspects in the July 2014 murder of 16-year-old Jerusalem Arab teen Muhmad Abu-Khadir.

The court ruled the primary suspect in the case, Yosef Chaim Ben-David, the only adult, was not going to be convicted at present due his psychiatric evaluation, which places serious doubt regarding his mental competence. The court understood all three participated in the brutal murder/lynch, including setting the teen’s body ablaze in the Jerusalem forest where the remains were later found.

The victim’s dad and family expressed disappointment. “The court has made a mockery of the case. They must destroy the homes of the murderers” he exclaimed. He then concluded “How does it say in your Kohelles, הבל הבלים”.

Acting Police Chief Bentzi Sau told Reshet Bet Radio “The department will prepare accordingly” as many expect the verdict to result in renewed rioting in predominately Arab areas of the capital.

Ben-David, 31, is a Jerusalem resident. He initiated the plan leading to the kidnapping and heinous murder, persuading the minors to join him. All three confessed to the allegations against them. The all admitted to beating him and setting him on fire while he was still alive. As they beat their victim to death that explained their actions were in retaliation for the murder of Jews including the Fogel family in 2011 and Shalhevet Techiya Pas, the Hebron infant murdered by terrorist sniper fire in 2001 while held in her mother’s arms.

Ben-David’s attorney Asher Ochayon presented the court with the psychiatric evaluation a few days ago which places his fitness to stand trial in question. He explained no one in Israel was willing to provide an evaluation for his client in Israel so he was compelled to find a psychiatrist abroad, hence the delay in submitting it to the court.

While he was not convicted today, the court will explore his mental health in greater depth and address his mental status and conviction at a later date. The court spokesperson announces the next hearing will be held in 20 days. The court has not ruled he is unfit to stand trial or be held accountable for his actions, but simply stated the evaluation places doubt on this so the ruling is placed on hold pending additional expert testimony.

Actually, technically, none of the defendants were officially convicted today but the court did rule they all took part in the heinous murder and the case will continue after the court has time to reevaluate Ben-David’s mental status. Regarding the others, minors, the court is now going to wait to receive the recommendation of state social workers due to their age.

The video shows the arrival of family members and the Prison Authority van with the suspects at the Jerusalem District Court before the hearing. Photos also show the many supporters standing outside during the court proceeding.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)