Asad Shibli
Photo: Hagai Aharon
Tal Gino
Reproduction photo: Hagai Aharon
ATV driver who killed girl investigated for murder
Police say man who ran over nine-year-old Tal Gino on Yom Kippur may have rammed into crowd intentionally
Asad Shibli, who is suspected of being the driver of the ATV that ran over and killed
nine-year-old Tal Gino from Kfar Tavor on Yom Kippur, will be investigated for murder, Ynet reported Sunday.
The accident occurred as the young girl was riding her bike next to a synagogue in her town.
If Shibli is charged with murder, it would be the first time that a driver involved in a road accident was charged with such a crime.
Police had initially intended to recommend that Shibli be charged with manslaughter.
The suspect, from the neighboring Galilee village of Shibli, whose license was previously revoked, was also injured, but tried to flee the scene. He was stopped by local residents and taken into police custody.
Several residents went as far as demanding that police charge Shibli with committing an act of terror.
According to investigators, Shibli purposely entered Kfar Tavor on the eve of Yom Kippur in order to cause a commotion. During his questioning the suspect said he understood what the holiday meant to the Jewish people and added: "I just wanted to withdraw money."
Asked why he did not turn around after seeing the locals gathered on the street, he replied, "They attacked me with stones."
A police official familiar with the case said, "A person who drives into a crowd intentionally has the intent to kill."
