In a shocking case that gripped both the tech world and the public, Tyrese Haspil, the former personal assistant of Gokada CEO Fahim Saleh, was sentenced to 40 years to life for the brutal murder and dismemberment of his boss. The sentencing, handed down by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice April Newbauer, marks the end of a trial that has exposed the depths of betrayal, financial mismanagement, and the violent measures taken to cover up crimes.
Fahim Saleh, a 33-year-old tech entrepreneur and CEO of the Nigerian-based ride-hailing app Gokada, was found murdered in his Manhattan apartment in July 2020. Saleh’s career had been marked by innovation and success, with ventures in Bangladesh and Nigeria that brought new solutions to the transportation sector in emerging markets. However, his life was cut short in a heinous crime that has left lasting scars on his family, friends, and colleagues.
Haspil, then 21, was accused of embezzling $400,000 from Saleh while working as his personal assistant. Despite this, Saleh had offered Haspil a chance at redemption by agreeing to a repayment plan. Yet, driven by fear of exposure and legal repercussions, Haspil meticulously planned and executed the murder, believing it was the only way to avoid punishment for his theft.
A Premeditated Crime
On the night of July 13, 2020, Haspil followed Saleh to his luxury apartment in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. After a brief exchange, Haspil attacked his employer, using a stun gun to incapacitate him before fatally stabbing him. Over the following days, Haspil returned to the apartment, attempting to dismember Saleh’s body in an effort to cover his tracks. However, his plan was foiled when Saleh’s cousin discovered the crime scene before Haspil could complete his grim task.
The evidence against Haspil was overwhelming. Investigators found a digital trail of internet searches related to the murder, including “how to kill someone with a taser” and “how to dismember a body.” Surveillance footage captured Haspil entering and exiting the apartment building, and forensic analysis linked him to the scene.
During the trial, Haspil’s defense argued that he was under extreme emotional distress at the time of the murder, claiming he was desperate to hide his embezzlement and felt he had no other choice but to kill Saleh. However, the jury found these claims unconvincing. The prosecution detailed how Haspil had planned the murder over several days, purchasing equipment and even researching anatomy to ensure he could carry out the crime.
Lead prosecutor Linda Ford described the crime as “brutally chilling” and noted that Saleh was conscious when Haspil first attacked him. “Why are you doing this?” Saleh reportedly asked Haspil during the assault, a question that would go unanswered as the young entrepreneur’s life was violently taken.
On June 2023, the jury found Haspil guilty of first-degree murder, grand larceny, burglary, and concealment of a corpse. The conviction brought some sense of closure to Saleh’s grieving family, though the impact of his loss remains profound.
A Sentence for Closure
At the sentencing hearing, the district attorney’s office initially sought 50 years to life. However, Justice Newbauer ultimately sentenced Haspil to 40 years to life, shaving a decade off the prosecution’s recommendation. The sentence consists of 25 years to life for the murder and an additional 15 years for the theft, burglary, and attempted concealment of the crime. Haspil will not be eligible for parole until he is at least 61 years old.
In a surprising turn, Haspil himself requested a life sentence without the possibility of parole, acknowledging the gravity of his crime and expressing remorse. “Unlike my counsel, I don’t think anything less than life without parole would be appropriate,” he told the judge in a quiet voice.
The judge described the murder as “senseless” and “deeply chilling,” reflecting on the profound loss suffered by Saleh’s family. In an emotional testimony, Saleh’s father, Ahmed Saleh, spoke of the unbearable grief that has consumed his family since the murder. “I wish it was possible to open up my heart and show you how much pain — how much pain,” he told the court.
Fahim Saleh’s Legacy
Fahim Saleh was widely admired for his entrepreneurial spirit and his passion for using technology to solve real-world problems. Gokada, his ride-hailing startup, had become a household name in Nigeria, providing jobs and helping to improve urban transportation. His tragic death sent shockwaves through the tech community, particularly in Africa and South Asia, where his ventures had made significant impacts.
In a statement after the verdict, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg highlighted Saleh’s contributions to the world and the senselessness of his death. “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. He also expressed hope that the sentence would bring some measure of peace to Saleh’s family and friends.
A Stark Reminder
The murder of Gokada CEO Fahim Saleh serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities even the most successful individuals can face in their personal lives. It underscores the potential for deep betrayal from within trusted circles and the extreme consequences that can follow unchecked greed and desperation.
While justice has been served in the legal sense, the African tech tech community continues to mourn the loss of one of its brightest stars. As the sentencing closes this chapter of the story, the legacy of Fahim Saleh will live on through the lives he touched and the innovations he pioneered.