Couple found shot dead in car near central Israel, murder-suicide suspicion grows

A couple from Rishon Lezion, Olga and Ruslan Prikhodko, both in their 40s, were found dead Friday in a vehicle located between Carmey Yosef and Mishmar Ayalon in central Israel. Their deaths occurred after relatives reported them missing when they failed to return from a planned trip.

Relatives became concerned after repeated phone calls went unanswered, which they described as highly unusual. This prompted police to launch a search operation, utilizing cellphone location data to track the couple's whereabouts. They were discovered deceased in an open area by Friday evening.

Initial forensic findings at the scene indicated that the deaths were caused by gunfire. Investigators initially focused on the theory that Ruslan Prikhodko, who reportedly owned a licensed firearm, shot Olga before taking his own life. However, subsequent forensic evidence has prompted investigators to broaden the scope of the probe beyond the murder-suicide hypothesis.

Police Commissioner Insp.-Gen. Danny Levy and Central District commander Dep.-Ch. Amir Cohen visited the scene for a situational assessment. The investigation has since been transferred to the Central District’s central investigative unit, which is examining all potential avenues. The Shin Bet was initially involved but later handed the investigation over to the police. A sweeping gag order has been placed on the investigation details by the Ramle Magistrate’s Court at the request of the police.