LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Dimstu Haileselassie's family traveled from across the country on Wednesday, coming together to beg the community for information on their family member's death.
Haileselassie was killed in the store he owned at the corner of Taylor Boulevard and Arcade Avenue, during an alleged robbery in June 2021. Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) released photos of a suspect in the case the day after the incident, but three years later, Haileselassie's loved-ones are still left without answers.
Three years, the family has been left to grieve and question.
"He's the most likeable person in our family," said Haileselassie's nephew, Lull Mengesha. "That's somebody who helped shape who I am as a man."
Haileselassie moved to Louisville to own a business and build a life for his family. Mengesha said the family has experienced a lot of prosperity in the United States and it all seems unfair.
"He was such a champion of youth," said Haileselassie's niece, Hilena Haileselassie. "And it's so hard to say 'was'. Still getting used to that."
Family said he never missed a family reunion, graduation; now all things he can no longer attend. He was a man of faith and loved playing cards.
"Uncle Dimstu always sat at the first pew at church," said Hilena. "He had his spot. Even going to church now and seeing his spot, it really triggers these deep feelings of love but also deep feelings of regret that he still hasn't received the justice he deserves."
In the last three years, Haileselassie's case has gone through three detectives with LMPD, with no arrests.
"There's just not been any movement," said Hilena. "When I initially heard the term 'cold case,' my heart sank because immediately it meant to me that no one was looking out for our uncle anymore."
Loved-ones said Haileselassie looked out for his community, helping where he could. Now his family is looking out for him like they said he would have, working to gain traction on his case. They have subpoenaed information from an ATM transaction.
"The person who murdered our uncle used an ATM and checked his balance when he came into the convenience store," said Mengesha. "In order to do that, you do need to have a pin code. So, I'm under the belief that it was that person's card."
Family members hope this new information will help police gain traction on the investigation. Plus, they're partnering with Crimestoppers in November. Crimestoppers has $1,000 for a reward and the family has a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
"It's really heartbreaking to know that someone's entire life will be affected because of one wrong choice that they made, that affected an entire community," said Hilena.
"Justice should be an inheritance that you should be able to give to your family," said Mengesha. "And it's something that we should have to give to our family."
Friends of Haileselassie still live in Louisville. After three years, frustration has settled in.
"There's questions in our heads, but we never get any answers," friend Alem Tella said.
Another friend, Yonatan Tsejei, said he was going through a hard time and Haileselassie was helping him through it before he was killed.
"For my own safety, for anybody here, who do you have to be for somebody to take the time? Who do I have to be for somebody to care?" said Tsejei.
Tella and Tsejei both said they drive by Haileselassie's store regularly and it's still hard for them.
LMPD said Haileselassie's case is with the Cold Case Unit and is in line for review to see how solvable the case is. A public information officer for the department could not provide a specific date for when the case will be reviewed.
To report information, contact Crimestoppers or call LMPDs anonymous tip line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673).
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