Kerry Spot    [ jim geraghty reporting ]
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Could terrorists be committing murder here in the United States, killing family members of Egyptians who cooperate with U.S law enforcement?

Have bin Laden fans now moved on to Capone-style hits on witnesses?

That's the implication of this truly disturbing story:

Four family members, killed; their throats slashed.

While friends and neighbors in Jersey City grieve, the FBI is investigating whether their deaths are connected to terrorism...

The bronze-colored coffins were carried inside, one-by-one. First, the father's, Hossam Armanious; followed by his wife's, Amal Garas. Then, their teenage daughter's, Sylvia, followed by their youngest child's, eight-year-old Monica.

Once inside, the emotions were overwhelming.

The bodies of the victims were discovered Friday morning, and since then speculation has swirled about the brutal killings.

Some believe this Coptic Christian family was the victim of a hate crime.

The FBI is investigating this matter — the Agency says it's not unusual to get involved in a case where four people are murdered.

But ABC News has learned that a cousin of the slain family has been a translator working for the prosecution in the trial of Lynne Stewart. She is the radical lawyer accused of smuggling messages from imprisoned Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, to terrorist cell members and associates.

The police have not ruled out any possible motive. The Coptic community has even offered a $500,000 reward for any information leading to the people responsible for this brutal crime.

In the New York Daily News, “law enforcement sources” discounted “any connection” between the Lynne Stewart case and the murders.

I’m no cop, but doesn’t it seem to be a little early to be dismissing possibilities?

More from Powerline, Instapundit, LGF.

[Posted 01/18 02:43 PM]