Gruesome Crime Unfolds in Washington, DC
A shocking and gruesome crime has emerged in Washington, DC, where a woman is accused of murdering her ‘sugar daddy’ and severing his thumb to access his banking app.
Incident details
Tiffany Taylor Gray, 22, was seen entering Fasil Teklemariam’s apartment on April 1, according to an affidavit obtained by News4. Four days later, police discovered Teklemariam’s body with severe head trauma, stab wounds, and his right thumb chopped off.
A witness informed police that Teklemariam was Gray’s ‘sugar daddy.’ Gray allegedly used his severed thumb to unlock his phone and access his banking app to purchase drugs and alcohol. Investigators also uncovered a previous complaint filed by Teklemariam, accusing Gray of stealing $1,800 from his banking app last year.
Investigation and evidence
Teklemariam’s cell phone last received a notification from a tower near Gray’s rented apartment in College Park, Maryland. Investigators believe Gray used Teklemariam’s thumb to gain access to his phone, although neither the thumb nor the phone has been recovered.
CCTV footage from Teklemariam’s apartment complex showed Gray, Audrey Miller, 19, and two men entering and leaving the building over several days. They were recorded taking items from the apartment using Teklemariam’s fob key.
“The suspects stole several items from the residence,” states a criminal complaint, which lists several electronic devices and household items among the stolen property.
Arrests and charges
Gray was arrested on July 1 in Prince George’s County and charged with first-degree murder and armed felony murder. She is set to be extradited to Washington, DC. Miller was arrested on June 21 and faces the same charges. She is being held ahead of her preliminary court hearing. One of the two men accompanying the women has been identified but not yet charged.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, ensuring that all individuals involved are held accountable. This disturbing case highlights the lengths to which some individuals will go to commit financial crimes and the critical role of diligent investigative work in solving such cases.
