Police in Washington DC: Man’s severed thumb used to access banking app after murder, according to authorities | US News
The thumb of a man who was violently killed in Washington DC was cut off and used to steal money from his mobile payment app, police say.
Fasil Teklemariam, 53, was discovered dead in his bedroom in April.
He had several cuts to his legs and a cut on his right hand, and his right thumb had been removed.
Two people – Audrey Denise Miller, 19, who investigators believe killed Mr Teklemariam, and Tiffany Taylor Gray, 22 – have been arrested.
Fasil Teklemariam. Pic: Metropolitan Police Department/NBC News
One witness told police Mr Teklemariam was Gray’s “sugar daddy”.
Detectives also found evidence suggesting cleaning products had been used at the crime scene.
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Over several days, security cameras captured Miller, Gray and two men coming and going from the building where Mr Teklemariam lived, police say. Authorities believe they used his key fob to get into his apartment, taking several items, including electronics and watches.
Pic: Metropolitan Police Department/NBC News
According to police, Gray and Miller used Mr Teklemariam’s thumb to obtain money from his account, with Gray using the funds to pay for Uber, marijuana and alcohol.
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Officers arrested Miller on 21 June, and she was charged with first-degree murder and armed felony murder, according to NBC News, Sky’s US partner network. She is in custody awaiting a preliminary hearing.
Police arrested Gray in Prince George’s County on 1 July on a warrant charging her with first-degree murder and armed felony murder.
