Police suspect 3rd 'honor killing' in same household
Department fears for life of 16-year-old girl who went missing several weeks ago, say two other women in her family were victims on such slayings
Deadly coincidence? The police are investigating the possibility that three women in the same family have been the victims of "honor killings."
According to police suspicions, Naifa and Sharin Abu-Ganem were both killed by relatives in the past few years, for supposedly dishonoring the family name.
Police now fear that Naifa's 16-year-old daughter, who disappeared a few weeks ago, may have met a similar fate.
The police have arrested Mahmoud Abu-Ganem, the girl's brother, on suspicion of conspiracy to have her killed. He has been remanded for 10 days.
Other family members have been arrested in connection with the murders of Naifa and Sharin, but the police were never able to make their case.
The police issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) order for the girl several days ago. The department's Central Unit, has simultaneously began an extensive intelligence gathering operation, in an attempt to find her.
According to the case file, the girl – who is married and the mother of a three-month-old baby – recently moved away from her family, after being abused.
A family feud is believed to be the catalyst which prompted her brothers, and other male relatives, to kill her.
Mahmoud Abu-Ganem's attorney, Giora Zilberstein, said that his client denies all the allegations against him: "I'm surprised that the police would make such a premature arrest," he said.
"There is no evidence that a murder has been committed. There's no body and nothing to indicate that any harm has come to the girl. I can only hope he will be released as soon as the investigation is over."
