In the autumn of 2008, a hardworking taxi driver's life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence. Tekola B. Bekele, a 53-year-old man, was found deceased on October 15, 2008. Originally from Ethiopia, Mr. Bekele had made a life for himself in Silver Spring, Maryland, and had been a dedicated driver with District Cab Associates since 1982.
He was remembered by his colleagues as a friendly and responsible man, known for his cheerful greetings and for always paying his weekly insurance fees early.
On that fateful Wednesday night, Mr. Bekele was flagged down by a man who directed him to a quiet street in Prince George's County. There, he was shot in the back of the head, and his body was left on the pavement as the assailant drove off in his silver 1996 Crown Victoria. The following morning, an alert patrol officer spotted the stolen taxi six miles away in Suitland. A high-speed chase ensued when the driver refused to stop.
The pursuit came to an end after the suspect, in an attempt to escape, broke into a nearby home, startling a woman who promptly alerted the authorities. Police were then able to apprehend the individual in a wooded area. The suspect was identified as Christian E. Brooks, a 25-year-old from Landover. At the time of his arrest, Brooks was already wanted on charges of first-degree assault and attempted murder in a separate shooting incident in the District. In connection with Mr. Bekele's death, he was charged with first-degree murder.
