Family outraged after lesser murder charge filed in teen stabbing case

Prosecutors allege the stabbing severed a major artery, causing massive blood loss that led to Zelka’s death the following day.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

Israeli prosecutors on Sunday filed indictments against 16 minors in connection with the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Yemanu Zelka outside a pizzeria in Petah Tikva on the eve of Independence Day, in a case that has sparked public outrage and fierce criticism from the victim’s family.

The case centers on a violent altercation outside the Pizza Hut branch where Zelka worked on April 22.

Investigators say the confrontation began after Zelka asked a group of teenagers not to use party spray inside the restaurant.

The dispute escalated into a group attack during which Zelka was stabbed.

Security footage circulating online showed the suspects surrounding Zelka and beating him as he lay on the ground.

According to the indictments filed with the Lod District Court, the main suspect, a 15-year-old boy accused of stabbing Zelka in the groin during a violent confrontation, has been charged with second degree murder.

Prosecutors allege the stabbing severed a major artery, causing massive blood loss that led to Zelka’s death the following day.

Police had recommended charging the main suspect with aggravated murder, a more serious offense carrying a mandatory life sentence, arguing that evidence gathered during the investigation supported the harsher charge.

However, prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to prove premeditation, partly because the knife used in the stabbing was never recovered.

The disagreement between police investigators and prosecutors reportedly continued through the weekend before the indictments were finalized.

Prosecutors cited previous court rulings emphasizing the significance of the location of a stabbing wound when determining criminal intent.

The decision triggered anger from Zelka’s family, who accused authorities of failing to pursue justice.

“The prosecution chose this morning to side with the criminals,” the family said in a statement.

“Instead of understanding the magnitude of the moment and filing unprecedented indictments that could prevent the next murder, they chose to be lenient and let the murderers off cheaply.”

The family further rejected the prosecution’s claim that evidence of premeditation was lacking.

“There is so much evidence proving planning, execution and intent,” the statement said. “But while everyone sees the reality clearly, the prosecution chooses to be blind and allow the next murder.”

Outside the courthouse Sunday, dozens of demonstrators gathered, demanding harsher charges and justice for Zelka.

“We lost our little brother,” Zelka’s sister, Yaros, told reporters outside the hearing.

“Look how many police officers are here now. What are they protecting? Empty air? Not one of them was there to protect our brother. Anyone who participated in the ambush against him is a murderer.”

Zelka’s older brother, Geteso, also condemned the indictments, saying, “Everyone who took part in his ambush is a murderer.”

Fifteen additional teenagers were charged with aggravated assault for allegedly participating in the attack.

Three of the defendants also face obstruction of justice charges, while others are accused of assault and making threats.

All of the suspects are minors, and the proceedings are being held behind closed doors.