Last update - 00:00 04/04/2007
Three suspects arrested in connection with Holon car murder
By Roni Singer-Haruti, Haaretz Correspondent and Haaretz Service
Police on Wednesday detained three individuals suspected of involvement in the murder of a 23-year-old man found dead in his car last week in the central town of Holon, a gag order lifted Wednesday revealed.
Chen Beniyahu was found dead in his car on March 28, after veering into vehicles parked on the side of Zachariyah Harofeh Street in Holon.
He appeared to have died as a result of the crash, however suspicious evidence at the scene prompted police to investigate further, discovering that he died of gunshot wounds to the chest and head.
Police investigations led to the arrest of two Holon residents, Daniel Zarog, 19, and David Elimelech, 22. On Sunday, the 17-year-old girlfriend of one of the suspects was also detained in connection with the murder.
Elimelech and Zarog will be tried on April 13 in the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court. The minor will be tried on April 9. Police expect further arrests to be made in connection with the murder.
After Beniyahu's death, it was reported that he was a relative of convicted druglord and mafia boss Ze'ev Rosenstein. However, Tel Aviv District Police believe personal disagreements provoked the murder, not Beniyahu's relation to Rosenstein.
Police and medics on the scene following the crash were surprised to find Beniyahu dead, as the impact with parked cars was not significant enough to have caused fatalities. Results of an autopsy later showed that Beniyahu had been murdered.