A reason to cry: Tragedy Strikes the Ohio Restaurant

Transforming the Ohio Restaurant. Photo by Elise Bernard.

First section is reprinted from Frozen Tropics

Bethlehem Ayele, better known to Ohio patrons as "Betty," was murdered late Wednesday night. Ms. Ayele stopped at a traffic light in Del Ray when a man approached her car and fired through the window. Ms. Ayele was struck in the head. Though motive was not immediately clear, it has now been ascertained that Betty Ayele offered testimony during the Murder Inc. trial. The trial involved a gang of drug dealers who operated, during the 1990s, in the area just north of H Street and participated in widespread witness killings.

Betty Ayele was known for her friendly and welcoming personality. She worked with her sister in the the Ohio Restaurant (1380 H Street), which their family acquired less than a year ago. She had high hopes of turning the Ohio, which was once downtrodden, and suffering for a reputation for violence, into a a success story. Since the two sisters took control, the Ohio has received numerous enthusiatic reviews, including endorsements from the Washington Post, and the City Paper. The Ohio is maintaining its normal hours, so feel free to stop in and enjoy a bit of Betty's dream in her memory.
Opened windows on the south facade of the building, a few months later.
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Just a couple weeks ago I met Betty and we had a great conversation. She truly understood what was up with local politics, corruption, and the difficulty of making revitalization happen. What she did wasn't easy. The nighttime cook also functions as a bouncer. And they were struggling to make money--and they appreciated the new late night crowds after the bars closed.

Betty: You will be remembered.

And I hope your murderers fry! (and I am now finally, against the death penalty, but for these cretins, I will make an exception).

Index Keywords: urban-revitalization