Indictment Expected Next Week in Brutal Beit Shemesh Child Murder

Brutal Stabbing in Beit Shemesh Shakes Israel

A month ago, a horrific tragedy unfolded in Beit Shemesh, leaving a seven-year-old child dead and his five-year-oid cousin severely injured. The suspect, 26-year-old Liel Pergan, the son of a neighbor, is expected to be indicted next week for the murder of Hillel Mordechai Dadon and the attempted murder of Ray Chanan Alon.

The attack took place while the two boys were playing in an inflatable pool in the courtyard of a residential building. According to police investigations, the assault lasted less than thirty seconds. Guy Avrahami, a youth officer at the Moriah police station in the Jerusalem District, described the brutality of the crime:

The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and brought in for questioning, but unfortunately we may never know the motive of this 26-year-old who lived adjacent to the victim's home. The entire murder took place in less than half a minute. He brutally stabbed the children and left the scene until his arrest.

Testimony from the Five-Year-Old Survivor

Five-year-old Ray sustained severe neck wounds during the attack but managed to remain conscious and identify the assailant to his parents. His father, Shlomi Alon, recalled the harrowing moments when he rushed outside after hearing screams:

I was inside the house and the kids were outside in the inflatable pool. Suddenly I heard screams, went outside, and saw what was happening in the courtyard. I brought Hillel inside and tried to stem his bleeding. Ray told me right away in his own words who did it.

Following psychological evaluation, prosecutors are finalizing the indictment. As Ray continues his physical and mental recovery, the Jerusalem police district recently honored the boy by making him a "police officer for a day" in recognition of his bravery.