An Arab-Israeli immigrant to the United States was sentenced to life in prison for the stabbing death of a Michigan man, part of a series of killings and attacks.
Elias Abuelazam, 33, a Christian Arab from Ramle, was sentenced Monday for the stabbing death of Arnold Minor, 49. Abuelazam was accused of killing three people during a series of killings and attacks in three US states during the summer of 2010.
In addition to the three murder charges, Abuelazam also is facing six assault with intent to murder charges in the Flint area, as well as attempted murder charges in Toledo, Ohio. He is a suspect as well in several attacks in Leesburg, Va.
His attorney mounted a not guilty by reason of insanity case. People convicted of first-degree murder in Michigan cannot receive parole.
Abuelazam, who lived in the United States for several years as a child and reportedly was living legally in the United States on a green card obtained when he married a US citizen, was arrested Aug. 1, 2010 in Atlanta after boarding a flight to Israel.
Nearly all of the attacks involved dark-skinned victims, either black or Latin American.