Man Accused of Killing Store Clerk in Upper Sandusky Makes Court Appearance

A 27 year old Upper Sandusky man made an initial appearance in Upper Sandusky Municipal Court Wednesday morning.

Bethel Bekele is charged with murder in connection to the death of store clerk in Upper Sandusky on New Year’s Day.

Bekele is alleged to have entered the Dollar Tree and struck 22 year old Keris Riebel several times with a machete.

Riebel was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bekele was located and arrested a short time later.

In court, Crawford County Now reported that there was no apparent relationship between the victim and Bekele, which makes the accused more of a threat to the public.

He will be held without bail until a bond hearing is set held on January 11.

Bekele was found indigent and attorney William Kluge was appointed to represent him.