Killer Sentenced to Life Behind Bars for Beheading Mentor
A 25-year-old man, Tyrese Haspil, has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the gruesome murder and decapitation of his mentor, Fahim Saleh, in a shocking turn of events. Haspil, who was convicted of second-degree murder, grand larceny, and burglary, stunned the courtroom by asking for a life sentence without parole, saying it was the only fitting punishment for his crimes.
The brutal murder took place on July 13, 2020, inside Saleh’s $2.2 million East Houston Street apartment. Haspil, who was Saleh’s executive assistant, had stolen nearly $400,000 from his boss and was struggling to repay the debt. In a bizarre twist, Haspil testified that he needed the money to maintain his lavish lifestyle with his French girlfriend, Marine Chaveuz.
Saleh’s family members delivered emotional victim impact statements, with his sister, Rif Saleh, saying, "You’re a con man and a murderer. I have no sympathy for you. You deserve to spend your whole life in prison." His father, Ahmed Saleh, called the killer’s defense "sickening" and demanded that Haspil spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The case has left many shocked and disturbed, with investigators revealing that Haspil used a Taser to incapacitate Saleh before beheading him and stuffing his body parts in plastic bags. The killer’s Legal Aid lawyer, Jim Roberts, argued that his client was an "emerging adult" at the time of the crimes and didn’t deserve the harsh sentence. However, prosecutors sought a sentence of 50 years to life and a judgment order of $399,614 for the stolen funds.
In the end, the judge agreed with Haspil’s request, handing down a life sentence without parole. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of greed and betrayal, and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their heinous crimes.
