A woman, described as being on the brink of a new life phase, met a tragic end at the hands of a squatter who, after unlawfully accessing her residence, utilized her stolen credit card to make purchases, including a PS5, following the gruesome act of concealing her body in a duffel bag.
Nadia Vitels, aged 52, was discovered deceased inside a duffel bag at her Manhattan apartment as she was in the process of relocating to the New York property on March 14, 2024. Halley Tejada and Kensly Alston were accused by prosecutors of unlawfully entering her residence while she was settling in and remaining at the location when she returned with her pet dog a few days later.
Tejada faced charges related to the murder, with court proceedings revealing that he had hidden Ms. Vitels’ body in a bag within a closet, later stumbled upon by her horrified son.
In an indictment released in April 2024 by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, it was alleged that Tejada had fatally assaulted the victim, causing injuries akin to those resulting from a high-impact incident such as a train collision or a fall from a great height.
Following the crime, the duo stole her credit card, concealed her remains, and departed with Alston driving the victim’s vehicle towards Pennsylvania, embarking on a nine-day spending spree that included the acquisition of various items like a PS5, clothing, food, and a diamond ring they purportedly used for engagement.
Their apprehension took place on March 22, 2024, in York, Pennsylvania. Both individuals were charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny, and concealment of a human corpse.
Tejada received a 20-year-to-life prison sentence at the Manhattan Supreme Court after admitting guilt to second-degree murder on December 17 of the preceding year. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr commended the sentence, expressing sympathy to Ms. Vitels’ family for their loss.
He remarked, “Nadia Vitels was on the cusp of a new life chapter when Halley Tejada brutally ended her in the very home she was moving into. Halley Tejada has been sentenced to 20 years to life in state prison for his despicable and lethal actions.”
The victim’s son provided a poignant statement during the sentencing, reminiscing about his beloved mother and condemning Tejada as an “animal” who deprived him of her presence. He vowed to honor his mother’s memory by living courageously and selflessly.
Alston’s legal proceedings are ongoing, and she has pleaded not guilty to the charges.