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When the proceeding was adjourned, the popular
singer Teddy burst into tears, sources told
Fortune. He was not alone: a number of fans that
gathered to follow his trial, amid the tight
security, left the compound crying.
On November 3, 2006, investigators from the Addis
Abeba Police Commission arrested Teddy, accusing him
of killing 18-year-old Degu Yibelete, a street
dweller who came from Gojjam. After he was put under
custody for a day, Teddy was released on 50,000Br
bail on November 4.
The popular singer was formally charged on April 16,
2008 on two counts, homicide (including driving
without license) and fleeing the scene of a crime.
Homicide would carry up to a 15-year prison sentence
and hence make him eligible for bail. Nevertheless,
prosecutors added another charge of failure to help
a victim whom one has injured. This involves an
additional penalty of one month to two years, thus
he could face up to 17 years in prison if found
guilty.
Although his defense lawyer had requested the merger
of the two charges in the earlier hearing, it was
not accepted.
Ethiopian law stipulates that defendants involved in
crimes carrying sentences greater than 15 years
shall not be permitted bail.
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