Kalistan

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Jacob Maxwell Assassinated in Kaliburg
Maxwell's wife  dead, AYIC Lt. seriously wounded in public slaying
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 23, 5692


Jacob Maxwell, with AYIC Lt. Martin Kauffman (left) and Jeanette Maxwell moments after release

Moments after Anantonese Yeudi Interest Committee Director Jacob Maxwell was released from police custody following a lengthy stay in jail, a gunman appeared before the crowd assembled to greet Maxwell and opened fire, killing Maxwell and his wife Jeanette, and seriously wounding his second in command Martin Kauffman.  The Gunman, later identified as Luca Borowitz, was immediately engaged by Kaliburg City Police who were in the immediate vicinity to act as crowd control and the resulting shootout left Borowitz dead.  Three other AYIC members were injured in the assassination as well, and two uniformed Kaliburg Police officers also suffered injuries from the gun battle.

The events leading up to the attack are still under investigation, but Kaliburg police chief Kurt Mitchell said "We believe Mr. Borowitz, now deceased was a hired hitman working for the Undzer Shtik Mob based in Sulari.  We are certain that Mr. Maxwell, also deceased was the target of a hit in retribution for his recent cooperation with the Bookmakers Probe.  Maxwell has been cooperating with both Sulari Police and now Kaliburg Police following his implication, and the implication of his organization with Yeudi Organized Crime, and specifically the indicted criminal defendant Julian Levinson last summer."

According to Mitchell, Maxwell offered to cooperate fully in the investigation in an effort to clear the name of his organization, the Anantonese Yeudi Interests Committee.  He, Mrs. Maxwell and Mr. Kauffman were in Kaliburg to answer questions about questionable donations the organization had received, but Mr. Maxwell was the only one of these three victims who was being actively questioned at the time.  Mrs. Maxwell and Mr. Kauffman had just met him after he had been released, when Borowitz walked up and opened fire.

Police have not released the names of the other AYIC members who were injured in the attack, because their families have not yet been notified yet.  Police officers Kayley McLauchlin and Michael Hardaway were both injured in the shootout.  No other bystanders were injured.

The Chancellor of the Empire loudly condemned this killing.  "Mr. Maxwell was a long time supporter of this regime and he has not been indicted in any crime to date.  He was cooperating with the state as we were trying to do our job in investigating this violent and criminally minded individual, and he paid the price for his willingness to step forward and tell us what he knows.  Our nation has been deprived of a tireless fighter for Yeudi Interests not only here in Kalistan but across all of Seleya and worldwide, and he was killed by one of his own.  This violence must stop now, but we are not ending this investigation and this prosecution against these criminals:  to do so now would be to betray Mr. Maxwell's memory."

An outpouring of grief from the Yeudi community was immediate following the news.  "Farvas habn zey im gedarft hrgenen?" demanded Rachael Youngman, of Kaliburg.  "Why did they have to kill him?  He only ever fought for our people.  He was our voice, he was our face.  He was the kindest and most dedicated man I ever met!  And his poor pretty wife...  Zol Gott farsholtn ver es hot dos zey geton!" 

Others, including Yeudi activist Miguel Spinoza, from Sulari, said, "I intend to double my efforts for AYIC.  Maxwell killed!  Oy Gevalt.  I never thought I would live to see this day."  AYIC spokespeople said their phone lines were flooded with people asking what they could do to help.  "People just want to do something," said AYIC spokeswoman Natalie King.  "Some wonder if there is a memorial they can send money to, others would like to volunteer.  It is an overwhelming response to this great tragedy for our community.  We tell them to just join with their family and friends and grieve, and also to pray for Mr. Kauffman."

AYIC says that the late Jacob and Jeanette Maxwell will be buried in Kaliburg, in accord with Yeudi customs against embalming that would prohibit their transit back to Sulari.  The Kaliburg Yeudi community said they will handle the arrangements, but it is notable that House Ananto has made a private donation to the Kaliburg Yeudi Synagogue to help offset expenses for the funeral and burial.  Her Highness, The Princess Regent Nicolette Ananto-Collins has called for the Nation to observe a seven day memorial period for the Maxwells, to acknowledge Yeudi Shiva traditions.

Mr. Borowitz' remains are also being handled by the Kaliburg Yeudi community.

Mr. Kauffman remains in critical condition following emergency surgery, but all reports are that the procedures have saved his life, and his prognosis is positive and improving.

@TheRepublic