Shaul Spitzer turned down a plea deal

Silver Member Joined: Nov 07 2010 Age: 33 Posts: 824

Shaul Spitzer, the 18-year-old butler of the Skvere Rebbe who allegedly tried to murder New Square dissident Aron Rottenberg and his family on Lag Ba'omer last year, has allegedly turned down a plea deal and opted to go to full trial, a source close to the case told FailedMessiah.com today.

Spitzer, who allegedly tried to burn alive Rottenberg�s entire family, sustained serious burns on his hands during the attack. As Rottenberg struggled with Spitzer, an incendiary device Spitzer was holding ignited, burning Spiter�s hands and seriously burning Rottenberg over more than half of his body.

Spitzer was charged with attempted murder and arson.

Earlier this week, prosecutors allegedly offered Spitzer a plea bargain that would have seen Spitzer sentenced to 13 years in prison. He could receive 25 years if the case goes to trial. Spitzer�s attorneys allegedly turned down the deal, sparking fears that Skvere may be planning to help Spitzer flee prosecution.

Rottenberg had run afoul of the Skevere Rebbe and the leadership of the hasidic village of New Square because he chose to leave the village every Shabbat to organize a prayer service a nearby nursing home rather than pray in New Square's synagogue, which is run under the direction of the Skvere Rebbe, David Twersky.