A woman preparing for a fresh start in her life met a tragic end when she was brutally murdered by a squatter who later used her stolen credit card to purchase a PS5, following the despicable act of concealing her body in a duffel bag.
Nadia Vitels, aged 52, was discovered lifeless inside a duffel bag at her residence in Manhattan as she was in the process of moving into her new New York home on March 14, 2024. Allegations put forth by prosecutors implicated Halley Tejada and Kensly Alston in the intrusion of her home while she was settling in, and in their presence when she returned with her dog sometime later.
Tejada was charged with the murder, with court proceedings revealing that he had callously left Ms. Vitels’ body hidden in a bag within a closet, a grim discovery made by her son.
An indictment released in April 2024 by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office accused Tejada of fatally beating the mother. Prosecutors detailed that Tejada had caused injuries akin to those from a high fall or being struck by a train.
Subsequently, the duo stole her credit card, concealed her body, and fled with Alston in her vehicle towards Pennsylvania, embarking on a spending spree lasting nine days using the stolen card. Among the items they purchased were a PS5, clothing, food, and a diamond ring allegedly used for an engagement.
Their capture took place on March 22, 2024, in York, Pennsylvania. Both were charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree burglary, one count of first-degree robbery, six counts of possessing stolen property, seven counts of grand larceny, and three counts of hiding a human corpse.
Tejada was recently sentenced at the Manhattan Supreme Court after admitting guilt to second-degree murder on December 17 of the prior year. He received a 20-year-to-life prison term, a decision praised by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L Bragg Jr, who extended sympathy to Ms. Vitels’ family.
Expressing condolence, Bragg stated, “Nadia Vitels was on the verge of a new chapter in her life when Halley Tejada ruthlessly ended it in the very apartment she was moving into. Halley Tejada has been given a 20-year-to-life prison sentence for his reprehensible and deadly actions.”
He added, “My heart goes out to Ms. Vitels’ loved ones who are still grieving her tragic loss. While this sentence cannot bring her back, I hope it provides some solace.”
During sentencing, Ms. Vitels’ son presented a victim impact statement, reminiscing about his loving mother and condemning Tejada as a heartless individual. He mourned, “Her laughter was unique and contagious. I can still hear it in my mind. It was just us against the world. Now, it’s just me. I’m alone. This monster took her from me.”
Concluding his statement, he pledged to live his life following Nadia’s values of hard work, selflessness, and courage. Prosecutors noted that Alston’s case is pending, and she has pleaded not guilty.
