In a shocking incident that took place back in April, a man was found dead inside his apartment in Northwest DC. The suspects not only stabbed him but also gruesomely cut off his thumb in order to steal money from his cellphone, according to court documents.

The victim, identified as Fasil Teklemariam, 53, was discovered lifeless on April 5 in his Peabody Street apartment. This month, two women, Tiffany Taylor Gray, 22, and Audrey Denise Miller, 19, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed, as reported by DC police.

According to witnesses and court documents, it was revealed that Teklemariam had a relationship with Gray and was financially supporting her, referring to Gray as his "sugar daddy." Gray was allegedly involved in prostitution.

An autopsy report disclosed that Teklemariam suffered multiple blunt force fractures to his head and a fatal stab wound that penetrated his stomach, small intestine, aorta, and spine. Shockingly, Gray is accused of using the victim's severed right thumb to bypass the security measures on his phone and gain access to a payment app. Witnesses claim that Gray used the stolen thumb to pay for services such as Uber rides, marijuana, and alcohol.

Gray, who went by various aliases to conceal her identity, including the name "Taylor Greene," was captured on surveillance footage entering and exiting Teklemariam's apartment along with Miller and two unidentified men around the time of the crime. The group was seen carrying items out of the apartment after Teklemariam was believed to have been killed.

When police arrived at the scene following a call about an unconscious person, they discovered Teklemariam lying unconscious in his bedroom, covered in broken glass and with blood on the floor. His right thumb was missing, which investigators believe was removed either before or after his death. Cleaning products were also found, suggesting an attempt to conceal evidence.

In addition to the missing thumb, Teklemariam's cellphone and SUV have not been located. Investigators suspect that the stolen thumb was used to access his payment apps and potentially withdraw funds.

Further connections between the suspects and the crime emerged when it was revealed that Teklemariam had filed a complaint against Gray in October 2023 for theft. Gray was accused of stealing $1,600 from him through his payment apps, with an additional attempt to charge $325. The theft was reported to the police at that time.

Gray has a history of scamming and stealing from potential romantic partners she met through dating apps in Prince George's County, Maryland. Prosecutors allege that she rented an apartment under a false name and used Teklemariam as her guarantor. She is accused of robbing a person she met on a dating app at that apartment with the help of two men, who reportedly tied the victim up and stole his belongings while threatening him.

Gray's arrest took place in Prince George's County, and she is currently awaiting extradition back to DC to face charges in connection with Teklemariam's murder.

The heinous nature of this crime has shocked the community, and the investigation continues to uncover further details surrounding the tragedy. Authorities are determined to bring justice to the victim and hold all involved parties accountable for their actions.