The father of Laila Jahajha, the 9-year-old girl killed by gunfire in Ar'ara last month, is expected to be charged with her murder, Israeli media report. Police say they have evidence the father fired at least 20 bullets at his two sons during a family altercation, and a stray bullet struck and killed Laila.
The case against the father of Laila Jahajha marks a significant development in a tragedy that shook the Arab town of Ar'ara in Wadi Ara last month. The 9-year-old girl was killed during what authorities now say was a violent family confrontation. According to the police investigation, the father opened fire on his two adult sons during the altercation, discharging at least 20 rounds. One of the bullets struck Laila, who was present at the scene, and she died from her wounds.
As The Zioneer previously reported (June 21), police had already flagged suspected evidence tampering and concealment in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. That earlier bulletin noted an indictment was expected to be filed. The current report from N12 provides the new detail about the number of rounds fired and clarifies that the intended targets were the sons — making Laila's death the tragic result of a stray bullet.
The indictment is expected to be filed in the coming days. No date for the arraignment has been set. The father's legal representation has not yet commented on the police allegations publicly.
2 developments
- StrongIndictment to be filed against Ar'ara father after daughter's shooting death; police allege evidence tampering
- DevelopingFallen soldier's father calls for immediate release of fellow soldier who accidentally shot his son in Lebanon
- DevelopingPolice probe overnight shooting in Deir Hanna near Sakhnin; suspect arrested
- DevelopingPolice investigate Galilee killing reportedly linked to state witness family
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
- Internal intake