Interrogation video released of rabbi murder suspect

Charles DeAndre, 15, accused of killing rabbi in 2014

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – More details have been released about what led police to arrest a 15-year-old boy in the killing of a rabbi in North Miami Beach.

Rabbi Joseph Raksin was shot and killed while walking to temple in August 2014, but an arrest wasn’t made until December.

Hours of interrogation tapes revealed that DeAndre Charles told detectives who he was with that day and admitted that he’s held a gun before.

But Charles did not admit any involvement in Raksin's killing.

"How much did you know about the murder on that date?" a detective asked Charles months before his arrest.

"Zero percent," he said.

In the videos released by the state attorney's office, Charles insisted that he had nothing to do with the rabbi's killing.

"First you told us you never handled guns, but that's not true," a detective said.

"I didn't say that. I said I hold guns, but, like..." Charles said

"You hold guns? What does hold guns mean?" the detective asked.

"Like, I hold a gun before," Charles said.

Police said Raksin was on the way to temple when he was the victim of a botched robbery.

Detectives said Charles was only 14 years old when he pulled the trigger, killing Raksin.

Charles' family maintains his innocence and claims that he was at home during the time of the shooting.

Detectives said Charles claims that he doesn't remember what he was doing that day.

"I try to remember. It had been so long," Charles said.

Charles is being held without bond and has pleaded not guilty in the case.

His next court date is scheduled for Jan. 13.

 


About the Author
Liane Morejon headshot

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

Loading...

Recommended Videos