Police stop attempted double-murder by gang member

Member of Netanya-based Abutbul crime family, Lucian Pinhas Tavel was arrested after neighbors called police.

By MELANIE LIDMAN
police car 311 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
police car 311
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Police interrupted an attempted a double murder just moments before a 66-year-old member of a well-known mob clan tried to kill his ex-wife and son in Zichron Ya’acov late Monday night.
Lucian Pinhas Tavel, identified as a member of the Netanya-based Abutbul crime family, was arrested by police with a loaded gun outside the home of his ex-wife, who was inside along with their 29-year-old son.
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Neighbors called police when they heard Tavel shouting outside the house and brandishing the gun. Police were able to restrain him and wrestle the weapon from his hands before he had a chance to fire.
He later told police he had come to murder both his ex-wife and son, saying he was jealous because his ex-wife had started seeing another man.
During an initial investigation, police discovered that Tavel had tried to kill another son two months ago, but the gun malfunctioned. That son did not file a complaint with police.
The Hadera Magistrate’s Court extended Tavel’s detention until next Monday.
Tavel is the brother of Felix and Charlie Abutbul, two well-known figures in Netanya’s underworld.
Police stepped up their efforts against organized crime there following the recent release from prison of alleged crime ring leader Francois Abutbul.
The foiled murder attempt came just two days after twin episodes in which husbands killed their wives before committing suicide on Sunday.