The Baba Sali's grandson, who had been accused of fraud in Israel and in the US – was stabbed multiple times and was found in traumatic arrest.
Rav Elazar Abuchatzeira Stabbed To Death
Yeshiva World News
YWN has confirmed that Rav Elazar Abuchatzeira of Be’er Sheva was just Niftar after being stabbed multiple times. United Hatzalah was first on the scene and tell YWN that they found him to be in traumatic arrest, he was pronounced dead a few minutes later.
Update 5:37 pm CDT – A suspect, identified in the Israeli media as Asher Dahan of Asdod, Israel, is reportedly in custody.
Update 6:09 pm – Rabbi Elazar Abuhatzeira was 70-years-old. He was stabbed to death in his yeshiva.
Update 7:40 pm CDT – Asher Dahan may be the same Asher Dahan who was convicted of raping two girls, one 16-years-old and the other 17-years-old, in 2006. He was sentenced to four years in prison, a lighter than normal sentence that took into account his age (59 then) and his lack of a criminal record. Dahan manipulated the girls by pretending to be a kabbalist and astrologer. [Hat Tip: Burich.]
Update 7:50 pm CDT – Ha'aretz reports the murderer was known to Abuhatzeira and was a frequent visitor:
…Police arrested a suspect following the stabbing. People close to the rabbi said the suspect frequently visited Abuhatzeira to receive blessings and advice. Witnesses said the suspect entered the room with a knife and stabbed him numerous times in his chest.
"The rabbi was a righteous person. This is a great loss," said City Council Member Yaakov Ohayon. "We are shocked. The Jewish people have lost one of their supporting pillars. The rabbi was murdered while he was giving advice and guidance to people in need of his help. He has thousands of Hassidic followers and he is one of the greatest rabbis in the world," he added.…
Hundreds of crying people gathered outside the yeshiva.
Update 7:03 am CDT 7-29-11 – The Jerusalem Post is reporting that, indeed, the suspect's name is Asher Dahan. It also says he is a rabbi. Dahan has been remanded for two weeks and ordered to undergo a psychiatric exam.
U.S. prosecutors probing Israeli rabbi over fraud.
Kabbalist Rabbi Accused Of "Massive" Fraud Almost Killed By Alleged Victim.