Tyrese Haspil, the personal assistant who murdered and dismembered his former boss, Fahim Saleh, the founder of Nigerian ride-hailing company Gokada, has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.
Haspil, 25, was convicted of murder, grand larceny, and other charges in June for the 2020 killing of Saleh. Prosecutors said Haspil had stolen around $400,000 from Saleh’s businesses before the murder.
Saleh had hired Haspil as his assistant, but soon discovered that Haspil was embezzling funds. Despite this, Saleh gave Haspil a second chance, allowing him to repay the stolen amount over two years. However, Haspil continued to steal and eventually killed Saleh to avoid being caught.
On July 13, 2020, Haspil attacked Saleh in his Manhattan apartment building, shocking him with a Taser and then stabbing him to death. He returned the next day to dismember the body with an electric saw but was interrupted when Saleh’s cousin arrived at the apartment.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated, “Today, Tyrese Haspil is facing accountability for brutally murdering and decapitating Fahim Saleh, a kind, generous, and empathetic person who positively impacted the world… While today’s sentence won’t bring Mr. Saleh back, I hope it provides his family a sense of closure as they continue to mourn his painful loss.”
The sentencing brings a measure of justice for Fahim Saleh’s family and loved ones, who have been grieving his tragic loss. The case highlights the importance of accountability and the consequences of violent crime.