A lawyer for the former personal assistant accused of beheading a tech CEO argued in Manhattan Supreme Court on Friday that his client was emotionally disturbed enough to commit the crime, the New York Post reported.
Tyrese Haspil, a 25-year-old former personal assistant, is charged with first-degree murder for the murder and beheading of 33-year-old venture capitalist and tech CEO Fahim Saleh in July 2020. Saleh, who founded Nigeria-based motorcycle startup Gokada, was found dead in his $2.4 million Lower East Side apartment. according to In the New York Post.
Prosecutors allege that Haspil’s motive for the murder was financial fraud and desperation. Haspil, who allegedly embezzled around $400,000 from Saleh, feared the repercussions, especially regarding his relationship with his French lover, Marine Chavez, the media reported. Haspil’s lawyer, Sam Roberts, argues that Haspil suffered from “extreme emotional instability” that led him to the irrational decision to kill instead of facing the consequences. This argument is aimed at getting the murder charge reduced to manslaughter, which carries a significantly lighter sentence.
Tech CEO’s assistant was beheaded to keep French lover from leaving him, lawyer claims https://t.co/4cenN3aekr pic.twitter.com/pZJUxUGjUM
— New York Post (@nypost) May 24, 2024
The crimes escalated when Saleh discovered the embezzlement and confronted Haspil, who was already on a repayment plan. Despite this, Haspil allegedly continued to steal, leading Saleh to consider legal action. Horrifyingly, Haspil meticulously planned the murder, purchasing Tasers and other supplies to carry out and cover up the crime, reports the New York Post. Haspil allegedly shot Saleh’s body with a Taser, stabbed him, and dismembered him. (Related article: Israeli military announces discovery of baby decapitated by Hamas)
According to the New York Post, Haspil’s alleged attempts to conceal his identity and criminal acts were ultimately foiled when a Taser “anti-felon disk” was directly linked to the murder weapon. Saleh’s cousin discovered Saleh’s dismembered body inside a bag in the living room of his apartment. In the days following the murders, Haspil appeared to live a normal life, planning a birthday party for his new girlfriend with items likely purchased with Saleh’s funds.
