Saleh, described as a kind and generous individual who made a positive impact on the world, had given Haspil a second chance even after discovering the theft. Despite this act of forgiveness, Haspil carried out the brutal murder. District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. expressed hope that the sentencing will provide a measure of closure to Saleh’s family, though it can never bring him back.

According to prosecutors, on July 13, 2020, Haspil was caught on surveillance video entering Saleh’s apartment building in Lower Manhattan. He followed Saleh into the elevator that led directly to his apartment. Once inside, Haspil tased and stabbed Saleh multiple times, leading to his death. The following day, Haspil returned to the apartment and dismembered Saleh’s body with a saw, placing the remains in pre-ordered construction bags.

The gruesome discovery was made by Saleh’s cousin, who grew concerned after not hearing from him for 24 hours and called the police after visiting his apartment. Investigators later found evidence that Haspil had searched terms like “dismembered body” and “murder of Tech CEO in New York” in the days following the killing. He was arrested four days later while staying at an Airbnb he had rented to celebrate his girlfriend’s birthday.