An Oakland jury returned the verdict of guilty Tuesday morning in the trial of Asmerom and Tewodros Gebreselassie who were charged with killing three family members on Thanksgiving day 2006.
The two brothers shot and killed three in-laws inside a home on Telegraph Avenue five years ago. The dead were their sister-in-law Winta Mehari, 28, her mother Regbe Bahrengasi, 50, and her brother Yonas Mehari, 17.
They were also convicted of kidnapping for taking their 2-year-old nephew from the scene.
The courtroom was packed with family members as the verdicts were read.
This is how Alameda County DA Nancy O'Malley described what happened that Thanksgiving Day;
On November 23, 2006, defendant Tewodros Gebreselassie went to the victims' home at Keller Plaza in Oakland. The Mehari family was celebrating Thanksgiving together. Shortly after arriving at the Thanksgiving gathering, Tewodros Gebreselassie, opened the door for defendant Asmerom Gebreselassie, allowing him to enter the home. Tewodros Gebreselassie then quickly fled with 2 year-old Isaac. As soon as Asmerom Gebreselassie entered the home, he began shooting at the family. He shot and killed 28-year old Winta Mehari, 17-year-old Yonas Mehari, and his 50-year-old mother Regbe Bahrenegasi. To escape the carnage, Winta's brother, Angesom Mehari, jumped from the living room window, landing three stories below. Victim Yehferom Mehari was able to disarm Asmerom Gebreselassie of two guns after witnessing his mother's, brother's and sister's murders. Both defendants fled to their mother's home, which was located inside Keller Plaza. Approximately two hours later, SWAT Team members and Tactical Negotiations Team members were able to have the defendants and their family members exit the apartment. Isaac was found inside the apartment and returned to the Mehari family.
The Gebreselassie brothers now face life in prison. Sentencing is set for Aug. 2.
