Questions linger in 1990 murder of rabbi in NYC

Published March 22, 2013

Associated Press

NEW YORK –  A man imprisoned for the slaying of a rabbi has been released after prosecutors say their review of his murder case determined it was flawed. But 58-year-old David Ranta's liberty could mean the murder will never be solved.

At least one other potential suspect is dead, witnesses' memories have faded and there's an absence of police paperwork on the case. Authorities say any opportunity for a clear-cut resolution has slipped away.

On Feb. 8, 1990, a gunman botched an attempt to rob a diamond courier in Brooklyn. The courier escaped unharmed and approached the car of Rabbi Chaskel Werzberger. He shot him in the forehead before pulling him out of the vehicle and driving away.

No physical evidence linked Ranta to the crime but a jury found him guilty anyway.

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Freedom near for man convicted of killing NY rabbi

Published March 21, 2013

Associated Press

NEW YORK –  Prosecutors are expected to ask a judge to free a man convicted in the 1990 killing of a Brooklyn rabbi.

David Ranta is due in court on Thursday afternoon for a judge to take up a defense motion to vacate his conviction. Prosecutors have told the judge they support the request.

Ranta was convicted of murder after Rabbi Chaskel Werzberger was shot on Feb. 8, 1990, by a man fleeing a botched robbery. Thousands attended the funeral for the Hasidic rabbi.

A recent review by the Brooklyn DA's office cast doubt on witness testimony and concluded detectives had mishandled aspects of the investigation.

The 58-year Ranta has been serving time in a Buffalo prison.

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Israeli settler rabbi who promoted peace dies

JERUSALEM –  Rabbi Menachem Froman, an Israeli settler known for his efforts to promote coexistence between Arabs and Jews, has died. He was 68.

His son Shivi Froman said he died Monday after a long illness.

Froman, who served as the rabbi of the West Bank settlement of Tekoa, had ties to many Palestinian leaders. He was an outspoken opponent of attacks by Jewish settlers on mosques. He often visited damaged holy sites with local Palestinian officials. He believed Israelis and Palestinians could live together peacefully.

Froman was a founder of the Gush Emunim movement promoting Israeli settlement of the West Bank. He opposed the removal of Jewish settlers from the area, claiming a sacred biblical connection to the land.

His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday.

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