Tragedy struck when Keris Riebel, a 22-year-old newlywed, met a brutal fate at the Dollar Tree store in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, where she worked. The assailant, wielding a machete, ended her life in a horrifying manner.
The incident unfolded around 4:25 p.m. at the shop located at 1120 Wyandot Ave. Despite prompt response from law enforcement and medical personnel, Riebel was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The perpetrator, identified as 27-year-old Bethel Bekele, was apprehended in the 100 block of South Fifth Street, found seated in a parked vehicle near the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office. He now faces charges of murder.
The motive behind this senseless act remains shrouded in mystery. It’s unclear whether there was any prior connection between the assailant and the victim, or if Riebel was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The community is reeling from the loss of this vibrant young woman, who had recently embarked on the journey of marriage. Residents express disbelief that such a tragedy could befall their tight-knit town.
In the midst of their grief, Riebel’s family and her bereaved husband, who has taken time off work to mourn, have been offered support through a GoFundMe campaign initiated by her aunt to assist with funeral expenses.
Riebel, a Bachelor of Science graduate in Human Resources, had a promising future ahead. She and her husband had dreams of starting a family and even planned to adopt a pet. Sadly, those aspirations were shattered in an instant.
Described as a beacon of positivity and faith by Wynford Local Schools, where she graduated in 2019, Riebel’s infectious smile and unwavering optimism left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
The untimely demise of such a bright soul is a devastating loss, and our thoughts are with her loved ones during this trying period, as echoed by the sentiments expressed on the GoFundMe page.
May she rest in peace, and may justice prevail for her senseless death, bringing closure to her grieving family and community. Share this story to honor her memory and spread awareness.
