Man Arrested in Connection to Murder of Woman Inside Upper Sandusky Store

Written by on January 3, 2023

Bethel M. Bekele

More information has been released regarding the murder of a woman inside the Dollar Tree in Upper Sandusky on New Year’s Day.

According to a release from Upper Sandusky Police Chief Jared Lucas, officers were dispatched to the store at just before 4:30 this past Sunday afternoon to investigate a report that a man was waving a machete around inside the store and struck an employee.

When officers arrived, they found 22-year-old Keris L. Riebel dead at the scene.

The suspect had already left the store.

One officer responded to the business with Wyandot County EMS while the additional unit patrolled the area.

27-year-old Bethel M. Bekele, was located in the 100 block of South Fifth Street in Upper Sandusky.  

He was detained at that time for further investigation.  

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded and processed the scene.  

Detectives with the Wyandot County Major Crimes Unit also began an investigation, and they learned that Bekele entered the store with the machete, approached Riebel, and struck her numerous times with the machete. 

At this time, the motive is unclear. 

Detectives are currently investigating what, if any, relationship exists between the victim and suspect.    

Bekele was booked on a charge of Murder. 

Additional charges could be forthcoming upon completion of the investigation.


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