Police on Monday lifted a gag order prohibiting publication of details of the horrific murder of six people, and entire family, in Rishon L’Tzion on a shabbos morning last month as was reported by YWN-Israel.

While several suspects remain in police custody in the case, the primary suspect is 39-year-old Damial (Lakhin) Kerlik, a former employee in the restaurant owned by victim Eduard Ushrenko.

Kerlik’s wife Natalia remains in custody as well, allegedly for aiding her husband in perpetrating the diabolical plot which also claimed the lives of Ludmila Ushrenko (56), Eduard’s wife, their son Dmitri (32), his wife Tatiana (28) and their two children, Revital (3) and Netanel (four months). 

According to investigators, Damial admitted to the murders and has reenacted the crime. While he acted alone at the scene, Damial’s wife and parents remain in custody, allegedly for assisting him and interfering in the police investigation.

Kerlik was dismissed as chief waiter from the restaurant about two years ago after being apprehended for stealing cases of vodka. He also told police he believed that his wife, who continued working in the restaurant until the day of the murder, was “involved” with the victim. He told police he developed a real hate for his former boss, and did not forget the embarrassment of being dismissed in front of coworkers.

Forensics officials report that blood-stained clothing that did not belong to any of the victims was found at the scene and eventually, DNA tests confirmed the match to Kerlik.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)