Families of those killed in Netanya hit-and-run oppose plea bargain

The families of the three women who were killed in last Friday’s hit-and-run incident in Netanya have come out against any potential plea bargain with suspected driver Shushan Baraby, who was apprehended Monday after a citywide manhunt.

A statement from the families’ attorney indicated that they would oppose any plea bargain and demanded that Baraby be put on trial for manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years per victim.

Baraby, 35, who has previously served three prison sentences for drug and violence-related offenses, denies being the driver of the car. He is a known crime figure in the city; the mayor of Netanya, Miriam Feirberg, said in a statement that despite his past Baraby had a “good heart.”

The families’ statement also alluded to Baraby’s criminal record and implied that he had gotten out of tough legal situations in the past. The families said that in the case of a plea bargain, they would appeal to the High Court.

The three victims, aged 25, 56 and 67, and all members of the same family, were struck on Friday at an intersection by a vehicle traveling 100 kilometers per hour. The driver fled the scene in his vehicle.

The police found Baraby, the suspected driver, hiding out in a warehouse three days later.

Four others were arrested in connection with the incident, including some of Baraby’s relatives and the owner of the warehouse where he was discovered.