Rabbi Pleads For Answers In Murder Of Dunwoody Father, Russell Sneiderman

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- A local rabbi is hoping for a Hanukkah gift that will bring closure to a Dunwoody family after a father was slain.

”I hope that maybe during these next eight days, a tip will come to the police, some sort of break in the case, that can at least give the family some sort of warmth and light, Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz told Channel 2’s Mark Winne.

Lighting menorah candles is about bringing light into your home and into the world, but Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz said the Hanukkah holiday hangs heavy with darkness for the family of murder victim Rusty Sneiderman.

A gunman shot Sneiderman several times in the torso area shortly after the businessman dropped a child off at Dunwoody Prep Pre-school just before 9:10 a.m. Nov. 18, Dunwoody police Sgt. Mike Carlson said.

Minkowicz said the father will be sorely missed for the holiday traditions that begin Wednesday.

”The spinning game that we have, the dreidel, the father’s not going to be there to play the game, Minkowicz said.

The rabbi said he's a personal friend and adviser to the Sneiderman family. He said healing is especially hard while mystery surrounds the murder.

Carlson said the gunman drove off in a silver Dodge minivan. He said the man left the parking lot and headed westbound on Mt. Veon Road. He hasn’t been seen since.

Dunwoody police Sgt. Mike Carlson said finding the killer’s motive is a key focus in the investigation.

”There’s a lot of speculation right now that this was a hit, a professional hit, that this was random. Right now, there’s no evidence out there that points that this was not a random murder, Carlson said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.