In a macabre twist to an ongoing homicide investigation, Maryland prosecutors allege that a severed thumb belonging to the victim was used by suspects to access his financial accounts.
The victim, identified as Fasil Teklemariam, was found dead in his Washington D.C. apartment on April 5th with his right thumb missing. Investigators believe two women, identified as Tiffany Taylor Gray and Audrey Miller, cut off his thumb postmortem to unlock his phone and make unauthorized transactions using his financial apps.
According to court documents, witnesses reported seeing Gray and Miller removing items from Teklemariam’s apartment after his disappearance. Surveillance footage also captured them using his stolen credit cards for purchases. The police tracked Teklemariam’s phone to a Maryland apartment rented by Gray, leading to their arrest.
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While the motive behind the murder remains unclear, a previous complaint filed by Teklemariam against Gray in 2023 alleges she had stolen money from his financial app using his phone. This suggests a possible financial dispute as a contributing factor.
The suspects are currently in custody awaiting trial on charges of first-degree murder and armed felony murder. Investigators continue to search for the victim’s missing thumb and other electronics stolen from his home.
“We are deeply saddened and devastated by the passing of our beloved brother Fasil Mulatu Teklemariam. Anyone who knows Fasil is sure that he was a caring son, father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He left this world suddenly on April 5, 2024, at age 53. Fasil leaves behind a wife and two young children,” said Emwedish Ferede in a GoFundMe tribute.
This chilling case highlights the potential vulnerability of biometric security measures, like fingerprints, and the importance of safeguarding personal devices and financial information. It also underscores the risks associated with online relationships and financial transactions.
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Teklemariam’s family and friends are mourning his loss and demanding justice for his gruesome murder. They have set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and raise awareness about the dangers of domestic violence.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the events leading up to Teklemariam’s death and the alleged misuse of his severed thumb for financial gain.
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