Overview
- The bodies of Olga and Ruslan Prikhodko were found shot inside their car in an open area between Mishmar Ayalon and Karmei Yosef over the weekend.
- Investigators initially examined a possible murder-suicide but abandoned that theory after finding Ruslan’s licensed handgun secured in the family safe and no gunshot residue on his hands.
- Israeli police and the Shin Bet have joined the Central District Major Crimes Unit in the probe and say they have substantial evidence linking a 17-year-old Arab Israeli to the killings.
- The suspect was arrested in Lod and investigators reported that a background review tied his brother to a past vehicular terror attack, a detail officials say shaped their assessment of motive.
- Two people who were detained early in the inquiry were released after questioning, the couple’s 14-year-old son has lost both parents, and authorities say the investigation is ongoing as they prepare next legal steps.