To Help Catch Restaurant Owners' Killers, A $10,000 Reward

By Eric Nicholson Thu., Aug. 16 2012 at 9:54 AM

Update at 11:45 a.m.: Never mind. Police just retracted the $10,000 reward. "Detectives are working on potential information," they said via news release, which I assume means they have a possible lead.

Original post: Police still don't know who shot 40-year-old Yayehyirad Lemma and 31-year-old Yenenesh Desta on the front porch of their home Tuesday night, or why someone would want to kill the hard-working owners of Desta, the popular Ethiopian restaurant in Northeast Dallas.

This morning, police announced a $10,000 reward, offered by Oak Farms Dairy, for information leading to the rest and grand jury indictment of the killer or killers. Anyone with information should call DPD's homicide unit at 214-671-3661 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 214-373-8477.

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bill.holston

It's true that many Ethiopians and Eritreans came her and seek asylum. (The 2 countries speak different languages) Both countries are very authoritarian. Many political activists come here after being persecuted, tortured and imprisoned. Foreign Policy Magazine says Eritrea is an open air prison. In addition however many Ethiopians migrate here with families or for business reasons. Many local businesses are run by Ethiopians. Many 7-11's are run and owned by Ethiopians, very hard working and great people. I've heard great things about Desta and know they have been very generous with the community in many ways. My heart breaks for this family.

scottindallas topcommenter

@bill.holston Ethiopia is a US backed military junta. We aided their invasion of Eritrea a few years back if memory serves. Not sure I know any Eritreans, but I do know a few Ethiopians and ate at the Queen of Sheeba with the family of one. It was a bit awkward while beautiful to be hand fed by my friend's brothers.

scottlinscheid

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My wife Yeshi and I used to visit 4 or 5 different Ethiopian restaurants around Dallas, but after a couple visits to Desta, we never wanted to go anywhere but there. Why? Because of Yenenesh Desta (she went by "Selam"). Selam cooked the best Habesha food, as good as anything you could find back in Ethiopia (at least that's what my Ethiopian wife tells me). But great food in and of itself didn't earn our loyalty - it was Selam herself that kept us coming back and her AWESOME staff. They understood how to provide GREAT customer service. No matter how busy it was, Selam always came out of the kitchen to give us a hug and speak with us at our table. She had a way of talking with our 4-yr-old son that made him smile and often blush. Tears well up in my eyes as I think about how sweet and warm she was, and ache at the thought of not seeing her smiling face again. Her husband, Yared, was a quiet and kind-hearted man, and they both were working so hard to build their restaurant and serve the community. My wife and I had just celebrated our 6th anniversary at Desta over the weekend, and we are going to miss Selam and Yared so, so much. I think I know why the rain was pouring down Tuesday night when this occurred - God was crying hard for His two children who were slain by some evil animal. Our prayers go out for all the family (especially their son) and friends who are left behind, and for the capture and punishment of all those responsible for this senseless murder of these two beautiful people.