The Haifa Magistrate's Court has extended the detention of a 21-year-old resident of Kafr Manda suspected of involvement in the fatal car-ramming of 17-year-old Amichai Atia in Hadera. The incident occurred near the 'Mul HaHof Village' shopping complex, where a large Selichot prayer event was taking place. Atia, a student from the Itamar settlement, was laid to rest on Friday, in a funeral attended by many and marked by moving eulogies from his family and friends.
The suspect, through his attorney, Yossef Shalabi, contends that he acted out of a genuine fear for his life. According to the family's version, as reported by Ynet, the driver, who works in vegetable delivery, found himself in a situation where people perceived him as a threat, leading to a rapid escalation. The family claims that shots were fired at the vehicle and stones were thrown, forcing the driver to flee, which resulted in the fatal collision. The suspect's mother stated that her son was raised with values of kindness and that he became a victim of incitement that led to a lynching attempt.
Conversely, the court hearing revealed that the police are conducting an extensive investigation into the circumstances of the incident. A police representative confirmed that security camera footage is being reviewed to establish the exact sequence of events. A central issue in the investigation is the gunfire directed at the suspect's vehicle. Law enforcement officials noted that the shooter has not yet been apprehended, and it remains unclear whether this was a direct response to the suspect's driving or due to other circumstances. As of now, the driver's detention has been extended until next Tuesday, allowing authorities to continue gathering evidence, analyzing forensic findings, and verifying claims regarding threats or incitement that led to the tragedy.
The current proceedings involve an assessment of self-defense claims versus the potential for involuntary manslaughter or other serious charges, as the incident is complex and involves multiple parties and shifting crime scenes. The public is advised to follow official updates from law enforcement regarding further investigation developments.