A machete-wielding man entered a Dollar Tree store in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, on Sunday, killing newlywed Keris Riebel, 22, who was 22 years old. Around 4:25 p.m., Riebel was working at the establishment at 1120 Wyandot Avenue, according to Upper Sandusky Police.
when the man, later identified as 27-year-old Bethel Bekele, entered the shop with a machete. Bekele allegedly approached Riebel and killed her by continuously striking her with the weapon.
Officers were sent in response to reports of a guy brandishing a machete inside the establishment and attacking a worker. When they got there, Riebel had already passed away. The suspect was located by officers in a parked car close to the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office on the 100 block of South Fifth Street.
Bekele surrendered when police arrived, was taken into custody, and has been charged with murder.
Authorities are looking into whether Riebel and Bekele knew one another, but the reason behind the attack is now unknown. One local expressed dismay at the occurrence, adding, “It’s terrible to see something like this in Upper Sandusky, because it’s such a wonderful place.”
Riebel’s family is mourning her passing, and her aunt has started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses and Jordan Riebel’s lost wages while he takes time off to grieve.
Riebel was ready to start her profession after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Human Resources. Her aunt claimed that Riebel and Jordan were eager to begin their new life together, raise a family, and buy a pet.
Nevertheless, their future was “torn apart from the both of them in a matter of seconds.”
Wynford Local Schools, from which Riebel graduated in 2019, described her as having a “wonderful spirit with a faith-filled heart.” She had a beautiful smile that beamed genuine kindness at everyone she encountered. Keris passed away far too soon, but she will always be remembered in the hearts of the Wynford neighborhood.
“It is extremely tragic that such a brilliant and promising young woman has passed away, and our thoughts are with her husband, family, and loved ones at this trying time.” It’s unknown if Bekele has entered a plea or appointed a lawyer to represent him.
