Former Jewelry Store Employee Charged with 2017 Valentine’s Day Murder
Michel Patrick DeSalles, a 54-year-old former employee of a jewelry store located in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City, is facing charges in connection with the 2017 murder of his boss, Omid Gholian. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced the charges on May 5, 2024, after DeSalles was extradited from his native country of Mauritius to the United States. The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2017, where DeSalles is accused of fatally choking Gholian with zip ties.
The announcement of the charges marks a significant development in a case that has remained open for over seven years. The extradition of DeSalles from Mauritius, an island nation situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2,000 kilometers off the southeastern coast of East Africa, underscores the commitment of law enforcement officials to pursuing justice, even across international borders.
District Attorney Bragg expressed hope that the charges would provide some measure of comfort to Gholian’s loved ones. He commended the prosecutors involved in the case for their unwavering dedication to the investigation and their persistent efforts in securing DeSalles’ return to the United States to face trial.
According to court documents and statements made by the District Attorney’s office, DeSalles was employed at the jewelry store in Tribeca at the time of Gholian’s death. On the morning of February 14, 2017, DeSalles allegedly attacked Gholian within the confines of the store. Prosecutors allege that DeSalles tightly secured two zip ties around Gholian’s neck, ultimately causing his death.
Following the alleged murder, DeSalles’ actions suggest an attempt to evade prosecution. Approximately three hours after the purported crime, DeSalles is said to have purchased a plane ticket to Mauritius. Later that evening, he boarded a flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport, departing the United States for his homeland.
The discovery of Gholian’s body occurred the day after Valentine’s Day, when his family members and police officers visited the jewelry store. Finding the store locked, they used a key provided by Gholian’s family to gain entry. Upon entering, they discovered Gholian’s lifeless body in the back of the store, with zip ties still constricting his neck. In addition to the zip ties, Gholian had sustained bruising around his eye and a gash on his head, further indicating a violent struggle.
DeSalles is currently charged with one count of second-degree murder. Court records indicate that his next court appearance is scheduled for August 11, 2025. As of May 7, 2024, DeSalles does not have a defense attorney listed on file, meaning he is either representing himself or has not yet retained counsel.
The case against DeSalles relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, including his alleged flight to Mauritius shortly after the murder and the discovery of Gholian’s body with zip ties around his neck. Prosecutors will likely argue that DeSalles’ rapid departure from the country is indicative of guilt and an attempt to avoid apprehension. The prosecution will also present evidence related to Gholian’s injuries and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of his body, aiming to demonstrate that DeSalles intentionally caused Gholian’s death.
The defense, once an attorney is retained or appointed, will likely challenge the prosecution’s evidence and argue that there is insufficient proof to establish DeSalles’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense may also explore alternative explanations for Gholian’s death, such as the possibility of another perpetrator or an accident. Without a confession or direct eyewitness testimony, the prosecution will need to meticulously present a compelling case to convince a jury of DeSalles’ culpability.
The extradition of DeSalles and the subsequent charges underscore the complexities of investigating and prosecuting crimes that involve international travel. Extradition treaties between countries are crucial in ensuring that individuals accused of crimes can be brought to justice, regardless of their location. However, the extradition process can be lengthy and challenging, requiring significant cooperation between law enforcement agencies and judicial systems in different countries.
The case also highlights the devastating impact of violent crime on victims, their families, and the community. The loss of Omid Gholian has undoubtedly caused immense pain and suffering for his loved ones, and the pursuit of justice is a critical step in providing them with some sense of closure. The legal proceedings against DeSalles will likely be closely watched by Gholian’s family and friends, who are seeking accountability for his death.
The trial, scheduled for a later date, will involve the presentation of evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments from both the prosecution and the defense. A jury will ultimately be responsible for determining whether the prosecution has proven DeSalles’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, DeSalles could face a lengthy prison sentence.
The case serves as a reminder that law enforcement officials are committed to pursuing justice, even in cold cases and those that involve international complexities. The determination of prosecutors to bring DeSalles to trial after more than seven years demonstrates their resolve to hold individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of the passage of time or the challenges involved in the investigation. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for DeSalles and for Gholian’s family, who are seeking closure and a sense of justice.
