Two Israelis Found Dead in Los Angeles
- LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the deaths of two Israeli men in separate incidents that occurred within hours of each other in...
- Alexander Modebadze, 47, an Israeli-American businessman, was found dead in his Woodland Hills home between April 26 and 27.
- when three men allegedly broke into Modebadze's residence, restrained him, physically assaulted him, and stole personal items before fleeing.Authorities, in collaboration with the FBI, identified and arrested three...
Los Angeles Police Investigate murders of Two Israeli Men
Table of Contents
- Los Angeles Police Investigate murders of Two Israeli Men
- Woodland Hills Homicide: Alexander Modebadze
- Sherman Village Apartment Death: Meni Khidra
- Investigations Ongoing
- Los Angeles Police Investigate Murders of Two Israeli Men: Your Questions Answered
- What happened in Los Angeles?
- When did these incidents occur?
- Who were the victims?
- Where did these crimes take place?
- What happened to Alexander Modebadze?
- Who has been arrested in the Modebadze case?
- How was Meni Khidra found?
- What are the initial details of the Meni khidra investigation?
- Is there a suspect in the Meni khidra case?
- Are the LAPD considering a connection between the two homicides?
- Has the LAPD identified any motives?
- Are there any concerns within the Jewish community?
- What is the quote from Los Angeles Magazine?
- Is there an increase in anti-Semitic acts in the United States?
- what is the LAPD asking of the public?
- Summary of Key Information
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the deaths of two Israeli men in separate incidents that occurred within hours of each other in the San Fernando Valley.The proximity of the crimes has heightened concerns within the local Jewish community.
Woodland Hills Homicide: Alexander Modebadze
Alexander Modebadze, 47, an Israeli-American businessman, was found dead in his Woodland Hills home between April 26 and 27. LAPD investigators believe Modebadze suffered fatal head trauma.Initial findings suggest he may have been held and tortured before his death.
Police said the crime occurred around 1 a.m. when three men allegedly broke into Modebadze’s residence, restrained him, physically assaulted him, and stole personal items before fleeing.Authorities, in collaboration with the FBI, identified and arrested three Georgian nationals: Paat Kochiashvili, 38, Zaza Otarashvili, 46, and Besiki Khutsishvili, 52. bail was set at $2 million each. Sources indicate the suspects may be linked to a transnational criminal organization of Georgian origin.
Sherman Village Apartment Death: Meni Khidra
The second victim, Meni Khidra, 53, also a businessman, was discovered in his apartment at the Ashton Sherman Village Apartments on April 26.Khidra is the brother of Moshe khidra, a senior official with Israeli penitentiary services. Police were alerted after a relative, unable to reach him for two days, requested a welfare check.
Early investigative details suggest a violent encounter. Authorities believe an altercation occurred between Khidra and his assailant, resulting in his death. A neighbor reported hearing unusual noises and cries around 3 a.m. three days prior to the body’s discovery. Police found traces of blood on the building’s facade between two balconies and on a staircase exit handle, suggesting a hurried escape.
Surveillance footage captured a man described as Hispanic, between 30 and 40 years old, wandering through the apartment building around the time of the suspected crime, appearing to attempt entry into various apartments. Police have released the images and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect, who remains at large.
Investigations Ongoing
While the LAPD has not established a direct connection between the two homicides, both are being investigated independently. The timing and geographical closeness of the incidents, combined with the shared nationality of the victims, have raised concerns.
“It is indeed deeply disturbing. Two men linked to Israel killed the same night? This gives an impression of targeted attacks,”
Jennifer Feldman, a Valley Village resident, told Los Angeles Magazine.
The LAPD has not identified any anti-Semitic motives and has dismissed any direct link between the two murders. Though, the incidents occur amid a reported increase in antagonistic acts toward jews in the United States. according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), more than 9,000 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded nationwide in 2024, the highest number in over 40 years.
Investigations are ongoing in both cases. Police urge anyone with information to contact them to assist with the investigations.
Los Angeles Police Investigate Murders of Two Israeli Men: Your Questions Answered
Here’s a breakdown of the recent events in Los Angeles,addressing the key questions you might have.
What happened in Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the deaths of two Israeli men in separate incidents that occurred within hours of each other in the san Fernando Valley.
When did these incidents occur?
The incidents occurred between April 26 adn 27.
Who were the victims?
The victims were:
Alexander Modebadze: A 47-year-old Israeli-American businessman.
Meni khidra: A 53-year-old businessman.
Where did these crimes take place?
Alexander Modebadze: His home in Woodland Hills.
Meni Khidra: His apartment at the Ashton Sherman Village Apartments.
What happened to Alexander Modebadze?
Alexander Modebadze was found dead in his Woodland Hills home. LAPD investigators believe he suffered fatal head trauma. Initial findings suggest he may have been held and tortured before his death. Police reports indicate that three men broke into his residence, restrained him, assaulted him, and stole personal items.
Who has been arrested in the Modebadze case?
Three Georgian nationals have been arrested in connection with the Modebadze homicide. They are:
Paat Kochiashvili, 38
Zaza Otarashvili, 46
* Besiki Khutsishvili, 52
Bail was set at $2 million each. Sources indicate that the suspects may be connected to a transnational criminal organization of Georgian origin.
How was Meni Khidra found?
Meni Khidra was found dead in his apartment. Police were alerted after a relative, unable to reach him for two days, requested a welfare check.
What are the initial details of the Meni khidra investigation?
Early investigative details suggest a violent encounter. Authorities believe an altercation occurred between Khidra and his assailant, resulting in his death. A neighbor reported hearing unusual noises and cries around 3 a.m. three days prior to the body’s discovery. Police found traces of blood on the building’s facade and on a staircase exit handle, suggesting a hurried escape.
Is there a suspect in the Meni khidra case?
Surveillance footage captured a man described as Hispanic, between 30 and 40 years old, wandering through the apartment building around the time of the suspected crime. He was appearing to attempt entry into various apartments. Police have released the images and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect, who remains at large.
Are the LAPD considering a connection between the two homicides?
While the LAPD is investigating both cases independently, the timing and geographical closeness of the incidents, combined with the shared nationality of the victims, have raised concerns.
Has the LAPD identified any motives?
The LAPD has not established a direct connection between the two homicides and has not identified any anti-Semitic motives.
Are there any concerns within the Jewish community?
Yes,the proximity of the crimes has heightened concerns within the local Jewish community.
What is the quote from Los Angeles Magazine?
Jennifer Feldman, a Valley Village resident, told Los Angeles Magazine: “It is indeed deeply disturbing. Two men linked to Israel killed the same night? This gives an impression of targeted attacks.”
Is there an increase in anti-Semitic acts in the United States?
Yes,the incidents occur amid a reported increase in antagonistic acts toward Jews in the United States. According to the anti-Defamation League (ADL), more than 9,000 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded nationwide in 2024, the highest number in over 40 years.
what is the LAPD asking of the public?
Police urge anyone with details to contact them to assist with the ongoing investigations.
Summary of Key Information
Here’s a concise overview of the key facts:
| Feature | Alexander Modebadze | Meni Khidra |
| :———————– | :————————————- | :———————————————- |
| Age | 47 | 53 |
| Occupation | Businessman | Businessman |
| Location | Woodland Hills, CA | Ashton Sherman Village Apartments, CA |
| Date of Death | Between April 26 and April 27 | April 26 |
| Cause of Death | Fatal head trauma | violent Altercation |
| Suspects/Arrests | Three Georgian nationals arrested | Suspect at large (Hispanic, 30-40 years old) |
| Key Details | Possible torture before death | Neighbor heard noises; hurried escape suspected |
| Connection to Victim | Israeli-American | Brother of a senior Israeli official |
| Possible Motive | Robbery with a violent undertone | Currently under investigation by the LAPD |