Suspect in Jerusalem baby food contamination case named as Yan Shemla

Yan Shemla, a resident of southern Israel, was arrested at his home on Monday after police reported a breakthrough in the investigation.

Yan Shemla was named on Wednesday as the suspect arrested in connection with the suspected deliberate contamination of baby fruit-puree jars with sedative drugs in Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court extended his detention on Tuesday until September 6 after finding that the investigative material established a “significant” reasonable suspicion of his involvement.

Police suspect Shemla of deliberately inserting sedative substances into jars of Prinok fruit puree sold at two Zol Begadol supermarket branches on Jaffa Street. The offenses under investigation include using poison in a manner that endangers life, theft and negligent handling of medication.

Shemla, a resident of southern Israel, was arrested at his home on Monday after police reported a breakthrough in the investigation. Officers searched the property before taking him for questioning.

The Magistrate’s Court initially allowed his name to be published but temporarily delayed the decision at the request of his attorney, giving the defense time to consider an appeal. His identity was released on Wednesday morning.

Attorney Zecharia Shenkolevsky, who is representing Shemla through the Public Defender’s Office, said his client has a mental-health condition and is in a complex psychological state.

“The investigation is in its early stages, and we expect it to be conducted while protecting his rights, certainly in light of his medical circumstances,” Shenkolevsky said. He added that Shemla was cooperating with investigators.