Adane Weldekiros, a 72-year-old Ethiopian-born American citizen, was tragically shot and killed on March 28, 2018, outside the Holiday Inn Express in Dallas, TX. Weldekiros, who worked as an unarmed security guard at the hotel, was shot multiple times by Randal Terrell, a 34-year-old man who had been previously ejected from the hotel. Witnesses reported hearing Weldekiros beg for his life, saying "Please don't do this," before the shots were fired.
Terrell was arrested at the scene after
confessing to the shooting. He was found sitting on a bench with his gun in an open suitcase. When questioned by police, Terrell admitted to pulling the trigger but did not provide a motive for the killing. He was charged with murder and taken into custody with a bond set at $100,000.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m., and guests and coworkers inside the hotel reported hearing the gunshots and Weldekiros' pleas. The hotel manager described Terrell as belligerent and disruptive before he was thrown out earlier that evening. Terrell returned to the hotel with his gun, leading to the fatal confrontation.
Weldekiros, who had been working the overnight shift at the hotel for about three months, was remembered by those who knew him as kind and dedicated. His family and friends described him as a gentle and caring individual who had served in security for over a decade.
The case drew significant attention, and Terrell remained in custody awaiting trial. The investigation focused on understanding Terrell's motives and the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Despite the tragic loss, Weldekiros' legacy as a compassionate and hardworking individual was honored by those who knew him.
