Locksmith lured to vacant home and killed; family wants Israeli man’s death investigated as a hate crime
by: Shay Arthur
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Loved ones are calling for answers after a 21-year-old was killed in South Memphis.
Police have identified the victim as Aviv Broek.
A family friend said Broek was an Israeli citizen living in Memphis and working as a locksmith.
He was called to a job under false pretenses then tragically shot and robbed.
Broek had only been living in Memphis for about two months and now, his family is calling for his death to be investigated as a hate crime.
As traffic speeds down a busy I-55, just feet away, crime scene tape remains in the 2300 block of Hernando Street, serving as an eerie reminder of what Memphis Police say happened just days before.
Right now, police have not said how Broek was killed but Ronn Torossian, who identified himself as a family friend, told WREG the young Israeli citizen was killed while working as a locksmith and was shot when he responded to a fake call late Thursday night at an abandoned building.
He said Broek’s passport was stolen as he had only lived in Memphis for a few months.
Torossian claims that Broek was planning to work and then return to Israel.
While his family is left devastated, they are calling for action.
“In this particular case, what’s happening now, we’re helping Jews out in America and throughout the world dealing with antisemitism that’s been permeating all throughout society,” said Executive Director of Betar, Ross Glick. “In this particular case, we’re asking the FBI to step in. We’re not feeling confident about how this is being addressed by the local PD.”
A spokesperson with MPD told WREG, “This is an active investigation and there is no indication at this time of a hate crime. However, MPD is pursuing all leads.”
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