Dear Family and Friends,

On Thanksgiving Day, while families across the country were enjoying a day of Thanks, Family and Friends, one family experienced a nightmare.  You may have already heard of the unfortunate news of the triple murder that occurred in Oakland , California . (http://www.orovillemr.com/news/bayarea/ci_4716750) To bring things even more close to home, the victims are my cousins.  Mama Rgbe, who attended and celebrated my wedding in Florida a year ago, is now dead.  Her children, 28-year old Winta and 17-year old Yonas, are dead.  Her son, Angesom, who also attended my wedding and entertained everyone by playing the Eritrean drums (Kebero), is in critical condition because he had to jump out of a third story window to escape getting shot.  His older brother Yehferom, is a hero for disarming the shooter before he killed anyone else.  In the aftermath of this tragic incident, a two-year child is left parent-less.

Those that know me, know my family is a God-fearing, law-abiding and people-loving family.  I would like to urge and request that the Oakland Police Department investigate every lead and evidence.  There is nothing that we can do to bring back the lives that have been lost.  But we need to ensure the survivors of this traumatic event cope as best as possible.  This will only happen with the confidence that justice is served on everyone that participated in the planning or execution of the murders.

In this moment of tragedy, I’d like to help the Mehari family with the financial difficulties presented by this ordeal.  My wife and I will make a personal contribution to the Mehari Family Fund.  I would like to encourage all of my extended family, friends, and fans to reach out and donate to the Mehari Family Fund.  Every penny of the donations will go towards the Mehari Family and help them alleviate one more concern.

Donations to the Mehari Family Fund can be deposited at any Bank of America branch. The routing number is 121000358. The account number is 0560942210.  Funeral arrangements are pending.

Thanks for your support.

Meb

(submitted by Mussia Tekleab mussia@hotmail.com)