Ethiopia arrests suspect in US diplomat’s death
February 13, 2009 (Addis Ababa) — Ethiopian police on Friday said that they have in their custody a prime suspect in the slaying of an American diplomat who was found dead earlier this month in Addis Ababa.
“We have taken prime suspect to custody” reached by phone federal police spokesperson commander Demsash Hailu told Sudan tribune on Friday.
“Suspect is caught on Tuesday by local police crew in south Wollo of the Amhara sub-region at a remote village of Jamma, some 350 kilometers north of the capital” commander Demsash further said “suspect fled the capital following the committed crime.”
The police official who refuses to mention suspect’s name said that the victim was an acquitence of the suspect; he was in possession of some of the personal belonging of Brian Adkins.
“Suspect was in possession of lap top computer, cellular phone and camera up on Arrest”
When asked if there was any political or other motivation behind the crime police official refused to give any comment but he said police will soon announce detail of investigation
“I can’t give any comment at this point on this regard” Demsash said adding “we are under serious investigation and all we know now is that the crime committed is definitely a murder crime”
The spokesperson said that the federal police consider the case as serious crime and the authorities are dealing with it seriously. He also pledged to reveal the outcome of the ongoing investigation “as soon as possible.”
The US State Department said last week they are coordinating closely with the competent authorities the ongoing investigation.
Brian Adkins was found dead at his home in Addis Ababa on February 2. He was serving as a consular officer in US embassy in Ethiopia.
(ST)