Israeli Arab guilty of murder in Michigan

(JTA) — An Arab-Israeli immigrant to the United States was found guilty of murder in Michigan.

Elias Abuelazam, 33, a Christian Arab from Ramla, was found guilty Tuesday in the stabbing death of Arnold Minor, 49. He was accused of killing three people during a series of killings and attacks in three U.S. 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.

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 U.S. 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.
 

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