BAHA, 8 January 2008 — Police in Baha announced it had arrested in Jeddah a man, who strangled to death a 70-year-old woman in a village in Al-Arda Al-Shamaleya, 50 kilometers south of Baljurashi in the south of the Kingdom.

The 33-year-old man entered the home of an elderly couple during the time for Friday prayer and beat up the woman after tying her up. The man then strangled her and stole SR30,000 and some jewelry. The woman’s husband had gone to the mosque at the time and discovered his wife’s body on his return.

Brig. Gen. Muhammad Al-Makati said the man was arrested following evidence obtained from the crime scene.

Police said it had arrested the man 48 hours after the crime and that they held back news of the arrest while other leads were pursued. The crime has been linked to other similar murders in Qunfuda. The killer is said to have confessed to police about his crime.

Hail Region to Get Eco Park

HAIL, 8 January 2008 — Higher authorities have approved the establishment of an eco garden, 150 km west of Hail, covering an area of 2,700 square kilometers. Hail Gov. Prince Saud ibn Abdul Mohsen yesterday presided over a meeting of the Hail Development Authority to discuss implementation of the project, considered one of the few and the largest of its kind in the Middle East. The project will include wildlife reserves, hunting and falcon clubs, race courses, museums and environment research centers.

Jeddah Police Solve Egypt Murder

JEDDAH, 8 January 2008 — Police in Jeddah have solved a crime that occurred seven years ago in Egypt. The man was charged with the murder of three people in a dispute. Before he could be arrested, he fled the country and came to Saudi Arabia with a work visa. Jeddah police received information from Interpol concerning the 30-year-old killer. After an intensive search, he was found working in a hotel in Jeddah. On interrogation, he confessed to the murders. (Wael Abdullah)

Three Brothers Stab Teenager

DAMMAM, 8 January 2008 — A 17-year-old boy was stabbed twice in the back at Al-Nabia in the Eastern Province, police said yesterday. The attack took place on a street Saturday evening. Three brothers have been detained as suspects in the crime and are being held at a juvenile detention center. The victim is in critical condition. (Faiz Al-Mazrouei)