One Family Marks the Three-year Anniversary of Fred Dally’s Death –still unsolved
Another Family Fights to Keep a Killer Behind Bars
May 1st marks the anniversary three years since Faraj “Fred” Dally was shot to death outside his store on the corner of Dexter Ave. and Boston Blvd. and yet this tragic, senseless, murder is a sobering reminder of retailers risk each day they open their store doors.
“His murder is still unsolved,” said Auday Arabo, president and CEO of the MIRA, despite the $50 thousand reward we put on the table, we don’t have an arrest and conviction that we expected. People don’t think about the risks retailers take every day to run their businesses. In today’s world, operating a convenience store is nearly as dangerous as it is to be a police officer or fire fighter. The difference is police officers and fire fighters know the risks they take each day.”
Fred, like many Iraqi immigrants, came to America to seeking a safer life, one away from persecution for his religious beliefs. He opened and operated the Medicine Chest liquor store for more 30 years, serving a community that relied on his service, kindness and advice.
However, the chances he took day in and day out, was not so different from the violent life he fled all those years ago. “He spent more time with his customers than he did with his own family on many days,” said Ziad Dally, Fred’s son. “He was such a big part of the community in which he served all those years. We will not rest until his killer or killers are brought to justice.”
While the Dally family is trying to catch a killer, the Yono the family is trying to keep a killer behind bars.
On December 14, 2001 Nohada Yono lost her 63-year-old husband Yousif (Joe) Yono and her 28-year-old son Jack. The two men were shot and killed on Detroit’ east side inside the 3 J’s party store, which the family owned and operated for over 20 years.
Within three days police had four people in custody including two who were found guilty of armed robbery and first degree murder, both are serving life sentences, one who was arrested for being the “lookout man” was found guilty of armed robbery and is serving a sentence of 25 to 50 years, another accused of hiding the weapons after the fact was sentenced to probation based on her cooperation.
One of the main suspects, who was identified as Antonio Evans, ran from police but was eventually brought in with the assistance of Detroit police, FBI, Mansfield police and the Yono Family. “Prosecutors told us that if we go to trial, he could walk, but he had agreed to a plea deal of second-degree murder, which would give him a sentence of 8 to 20 years plus an additional two years for gun possession. This is the guy who is responsible for not only shooting and killing my father but he is the reason why my father’s casket had to stay closed due to the gunshot wounds directly to his face” said Joe’s son Justin Yono.
Presently, Antonio Evans is up for parole and the Yono family wants him to stay behind bars. Antonio Evan’s MDOC profile link is http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=366281.
“We have been to Lansing several times to protest his release for parole. Thus far, we have been able to have his request for parole denied. Our last parole hearing was just this past February, as of now we still don’t know what the outcome will be,” said Yono. “I don’t understand how someone who commits such a heinous act, murdering not one but two people, can ever be rehabilitated and released to walk the streets of our community.”
The anniversary of Fred’s slaying is all too common for retailers who provide goods and service to a local community. Many independent retailers are all that remain in remote parts of cities that big box stores have long exited.
Violence and crimes inside retail business have been part of doing business for decades despite efforts from MIRA to increase police protection within businesses. “These Men and Women who open their stores each and every day, should have not to put their lives in danger in order to help keep communities alive,” said Arabo.
About MIRA
MIRA is a Michigan-based Trade association representing thousands of independent retailers in Michigan and Ohio.
Media Contact: Vanessa Denha Garmo 248.830.8605/Vanessa@denhamedia.com or Kris Harris 248.702.8687/Kris@denhamedia.com