UPPER SANDUSKY–Accused killer Bethel Bekele,27, of Upper Sandusky, remains in custody without bail following the brutal murder of Keris Riebel on New Year’s Day. Riebel was working as a cashier at Dollar Tree when the attack occurred.
Bekele faces three counts of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, one count of felonious assault, and one count of aggravated burglary.
Court-appointed attorney William Kluge represents Bekele.
Kluge petitioned the court for a psychological evaluation. Wyandot County Common Pleas Court Judge Douglas Rowland approved the motion and ordered an examination.
Rowland ordered Bekele to be evaluated for competency to stand trial and an evaluation of his mental condition at the time of the offense. Rowland ordered the exam to take place at the Wyandot County Jail via zoom on February 8, 2023.
The Forensic Diagnostic Center in Mansfield will conduct the exam.
Bekele has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
Crawford County Now will continue to cover this developing news story.