Tragic Incident in Herzliya: 6-Year-Old Murdered by Mother
In a heart-wrenching event that has shocked the community, 6-year-old Liam was allegedly murdered by his mother, Siegal Yana Itzkovitz, in Herzliya. The incident unfolded when Itzkovitz, armed with an ax, was seen threatening passers-by at the Seven Stars Mall. Deputy Superintendent Yaniv Valbovich, commander of the Galilot station, described the emotional toll the scene took on him and his team, stating, "There is no person in the world who could have stopped the tears."
Police Response and Investigation
The police received a report in the early evening hours about a woman armed with an ax approaching the mall. An off-duty police saboteur recognized the threat and attempted to intervene. "The woman reached the saboteur and the security guard and started a fight with the ax," Valbovich recounted. The security guard managed to hit her in the face but was injured in the hand. The police quickly subdued her and evacuated her for medical treatment. Shortly after, they discovered the body of Liam at the family's home, leading to a thorough forensic investigation.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Itzkovitz had a history of mutual violence complaints with her husband while they lived in Modi'in between 2018-2019. However, there were no signs of violence against their son, so the Children at Risk Act was not applied. The family later moved to Dimona and then to Herzliya, with no further reports of violence. The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court has extended Itzkovitz's detention for nine more days. Her attorney, Adv. Binyamin Malka, expressed the family's grief and emphasized the need to investigate her mental state. The police continue to gather evidence and review surveillance footage to piece together the tragic events.
