The murder case of attorney Arbel Feldman inside his office on August 4 is approaching its final stages. During a hearing held on Monday at the Rishon LeZion Magistrates Court, a prosecutor's statement was filed against the suspect, Ahmed Al-Ragoub, alleging charges of premeditated murder, destruction of evidence, and obstruction of justice. This step marks the State Attorney's preparation for filing a formal criminal indictment in the coming days. According to police, the incident occurred when Al-Ragoub arrived at the victim's office armed, shot him, and fled the scene in his vehicle heading south.
Police investigators believe the suspect disposed of the weapon and his mobile phone during his escape, items which have yet to be recovered despite search efforts. Conversely, attorney Oren Sasson, representing Al-Ragoub, argues that the police have no concrete indication to substantiate claims that his client destroyed these items. A significant legal dispute in the case concerns the circumstances of Al-Ragoub's surrender to the Ashdod Central Unit. While police claim the suspect confessed and implicated himself upon arriving at the station, attorney Sasson categorically denies this, claiming his client exercised his right to remain silent.
An evidentiary difficulty emerged during the hearing when it became clear that the alleged confession was not technologically documented, as officers at the station were not wearing body cameras. Subsequent attempts by the investigative unit to have the suspect repeat his statements on video failed as he refused to cooperate. Since his surrender, Al-Ragoub has maintained complete silence. Another issue raised in court involves the suspect's state in detention.
Given Al-Ragoub's stated violent intentions toward his cellmates, his defense attorney requested a referral to a psychiatric evaluation by the Mental Health Department (MABAN). Police clarified that the substantive investigation is complete and they are awaiting final results from the autopsy and digital forensics. Judge Nir Ganzarski granted the police request and extended Al-Ragoub's detention until August 27, determining that there is sufficient prima facie evidence to continue the legal process in this sensitive case.