Investigation files into the April killing of 19-year-old Destao Tzakul have been sent to prosecutors, and an indictment is expected Wednesday. Four teenagers aged 16 to 17 have been arrested on suspicion of ambushing, beating and stabbing Tzakul outside his home; police say the knife has been recovered. The family will meet investigators and attend court to confront the suspects, and community members have held rallies calling for an end to youth violence.
Four Teenagers Face Murder Charges in Death of 19-Year-Old Destao Tzakul; Indictment Expected Wednesday
Protesters gather outside a court in Petah Tikva, holding signs and calling for justice following the killing of Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, a Pizza Hut employee who was stabbed and later died of his wounds on the eve of Independence Day, May 5, 2026. (photo credit: Roy Alima/Flash90)
Investigation files in the April killing of 19-year-old Destao Tzakul have been transferred to the prosecution, and authorities say an indictment against the suspects is expected to be filed on Wednesday.
Police have arrested four teenagers, aged 16 to 17, who are suspected of ambushing Tzakul near his home while he was with friends. According to investigators, the group attacked him as he returned home, beating and stabbing him to death. Officers said they recovered the knife used in the stabbing earlier this week.
Family Seeks Answers
Tzakul, who was due to enlist in the Golani Brigade in one week, was the youngest child in his family and is survived by an older brother and sister. The family says it has received few direct updates from investigators and has learned about developments mainly from media reports. In an interview with Maariv, Tzakul's sister demanded the public release of the incident video, saying the family wants the community to see who is responsible.
Legal Steps and Investigation
The four suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for a detention-extension hearing. Because a prosecutor's declaration has already been filed, prosecutors are expected to ask the court to keep the suspects in custody until the legal process concludes and the indictment is decided.
Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, 21, was stabbed in Petah Tikva on Independence Day and later succumbed to his wounds. (credit: Courtesy)
Representatives from the Central Unit for Investigations, which is handling the case, are expected to meet with the family the morning of the hearing. Investigators will likely present parts of the investigation file to the family, including footage related to the killing.
Community Reaction and Defense
Following the killings of Tzakul and another young man, Yemano Binyamin Zalka, many teenagers from Beersheba and nearby communities staged a rally calling for an end to youth violence and bloodshed.
Attorney Lee Asaf Almalich, representing the Tzakul family, said the family is seeking swift justice. She added that some media reports do not fully reflect the circumstances and that, in the family's view, the attack was targeted rather than random.
Police responded to the family's criticism by saying the investigation is ongoing and that they do not publicly release details while inquiries remain active.
The case remains under active investigation as prosecutors prepare the indictment expected on Wednesday.
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