A Manhattan jury on Monday found Tyrese Haspil, 25, guilty of the brutal 2020 murder and dismemberment of his former employer, tech entrepreneur and former CEO of Nigerian startup Gokada, Fahim Saleh. The verdict concludes a chilling trial that exposed a web of deceit, financial theft, and a premeditated plan to silence a witness.
A Twisted Tale of Betrayal
Haspil, who had served as Saleh’s personal assistant, was accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his boss. When Saleh discovered the theft and confronted him, Haspil agreed to a repayment plan. However, unknown to Saleh, Haspil had embezzled significantly more through a separate fraudulent scheme.
Fearful of exposure and potential legal consequences, prosecutors argued, Haspil meticulously plotted Saleh’s murder. He researched weapons, cleaning supplies, and even the anatomy of the human neck. On July 13, 2020, Haspil followed Saleh into his luxury Manhattan apartment, tased him, and fatally stabbed him.
The following day, Haspil returned to dismember Saleh’s body with an electric saw, attempting to conceal his crime. However, Saleh’s cousin discovered the gruesome scene before Haspil could complete his macabre task.
Digital Trail of Guilt
In the days following the murder, Haspil’s online searches, including queries about “Fahim Saleh,” “murder of tech CEO,” and “dismembered body,” raised red flags for investigators. This digital trail, combined with surveillance footage and forensic evidence, led to his arrest at an Airbnb he had rented for his girlfriend’s birthday — a celebration funded by stolen money.
Justice Served
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg expressed hope that the verdict would bring some solace to Saleh’s grieving family and friends. “Tyrese Haspil tragically cut Mr. Saleh’s life short — a man who came from a close-knit immigrant family and followed his passions to become a successful entrepreneur,” Bragg said in a statement.
Haspil’s attorney, Sam Roberts, acknowledged his client’s guilt and remorse but emphasized that Haspil’s actions did not define him entirely. He intends to present mitigating factors during the sentencing phase scheduled for September 10th.
A Tragic End to a Promising Life
Former Gokada CEO Fahim Saleh, 33, was a rising star in the tech world, known for founding successful motorcycle ride-sharing companies in Bangladesh and Nigeria. His untimely death shocked the entrepreneurial community and left a void in the lives of those who knew him.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential darkness lurking beneath seemingly ordinary lives. It is a tragic tale of greed, betrayal, and the desperate lengths one individual went to conceal his crimes.