An 82-year-old advocate for Israeli hostages has died from severe injuries she sustained during a firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado, last month, prompting prosecutors to upgrade charges against the accused perpetrator, NBC News reported.
Boulder County District Attorney's Office identified the victim as Karen Diamond, stating she died "as a result of the severe injuries that she suffered in the attack" on June 1, according to NBC News. Officials from the district attorney's office declined to specify the nature of Diamond's injuries from the assault.
"This horrific attack has now claimed the life of an innocent person who was beloved by her family and friends," District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated in a news release, according to NBC News. "Our hearts are with the Diamond family during this incredibly difficult time. Our office will fight for justice for the victims, their loved ones, and the community." The Diamond family has requested "privacy as they continue to grieve," the district attorney's office told NBC News.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, stands accused of deploying a "makeshift flamethrower" and Molotov cocktails against individuals calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, NBC News reported. Prosecutors have charged him with numerous counts, including 28 counts of attempted murder related to 14 victims, according to the district attorney's office.
Following Diamond's death, the district attorney's office modified two counts of criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder, NBC News reported. The charges were elevated to first-degree murder – one under an extreme indifference theory and another with intent and after deliberation. Both counts pertain to Diamond, officials stated. The district attorney's office has additionally filed 66 supplementary counts related to 14 additional victims identified through the continuing investigation, according to NBC News. "In total, the amended complaint names a total of 29 victims in the attack," the district attorney's office told NBC News. "Of the 29 victims, 13 suffered physical injury during the attack."
The state complaint against Soliman now encompasses two counts of first-degree murder, 52 counts of attempted first-degree murder, eight counts of first-degree assault, 18 counts of attempted first-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, two counts of using an incendiary device, 16 counts of attempted use of an incendiary device and one count of animal cruelty, the DA's office reported to NBC News.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Soliman could receive a life sentence without parole eligibility, the district attorney's office stated to NBC News. The remaining charges carry potential prison terms ranging from 16 to 48 years. Soliman's next court appearance is scheduled for July 15, according to the district attorney's office and NBC News.
