3 charged with murder of Orthodox Jewish martial arts fighter

The fatal shooting of a Jewish martial arts fighter in Florida by three men – now facing charges of first-degree murder – was deliberate, a state attorney declared.

Three Florida men have been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Aaron Rajman, 25, an Orthodox Jewish mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter.

A Palm Beach criminal court Saturday ordered that the three suspects—Summer Church, 16, Roberto Ortiz, 18, and Jace Swinton, 18—be held without bond.

The three stand accused of fatally shooting Rajman following an altercation that broke out in his Boca Raton residence during their invasion of his home.

All three suspects will be tried as adults and face the same charges of first-degree murder and two counts of armed home invasion with a firearm.

“This was no random act of violence,” said State Attorney Dave Aronberg. “Mr. Rajman was targeted by these defendants, and we intend to seek justice for the victim and his family.”

Rajman was a member of Chabad-Lubavitch and was deeply involved with the local Jewish community. In addition to studying Torah, he also taught local Jewish children self-defense techniques and instructed police in the Israeli Krav Maga martial arts style.

Rajman debuted as a professional MMA fighter in April 2014, had a 2-2 record and was part of American Top Team, one of the most prestigious MMA gyms in the US. As an amateur fighter, his record was 8-1.

By: JNS.org

Florida