Elias Abuelazam was born on August 28, 1976, in Israel. He grew up in a small village where life was tough. His family faced many challenges, and he had trouble fitting in at school. Despite these difficulties, Elias tried to make the best of his situation.

As he got older, Elias moved to the United States. He lived in several states, including Michigan and Virginia. He worked various jobs, such as a clerk in a convenience store. Even though he tried to start a new life, he often found himself in trouble. Elias had some issues with the law, but nothing that suggested the violence that would come later.

Before his arrest, Elias's life was marked by instability. He struggled with personal and legal problems, and he had a hard time finding his place in the world. His early years were difficult and filled with challenges that seemed to follow him into adulthood.

Elias Abuelazam, an Israeli immigrant, committed a series of violent attacks between May and August 2010. Most of his victims were small-framed men, primarily African American. He would approach them in his car, asking for help or directions, and then attack them with a knife.

In total, Elias was linked to 18 attacks, resulting in five deaths. His victims included Arnold Minor, a Flint, Michigan resident, who was killed on August 2, 2010. Elias's method involved surprising his victims and quickly stabbing them, leaving many critically injured.

The police arrested Elias on August 11, 2010, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as he attempted to flee to Israel. His arrest came after a nationwide manhunt that involved multiple law enforcement agencies.

During his trial, Elias was convicted of the murder of Arnold Minor and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Although he was suspected in many other attacks, he was only tried for the crimes he confessed to. Psychologists diagnosed him with paranoid schizophrenia, but he was still found guilty and remains in prison.