(JTA) — The most seriously injured victim of the stabbing attack at a rabbi’s home in Monsey, New York, in late December has died.
Josef Neumann was in a coma from the time of the attack to his death on Sunday. He was 72.
Neumann had begun to open his eyes in February, leading to calls to keep praying for a full recovery.
The assailant’s knife penetrated Neumann’s skull. His right arm also was shattered. Four others were injured in the Dec. 28 attack.
The first announcement of his death came in a tweet from the Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council.
Neumann had seven children, “many grandchildren,” a great-grandchild, and brothers and sisters.
The alleged stabber, Grafton Thomas, 37, has pleaded not guilty to 10 federal hate crimes charges along with six counts of attempted murder and several assault and burglary counts in Rockland County court.
If it is determined that Neumann died of his injuries, Thomas could face the death penalty.
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