A woman in the midst of a life transition was tragically killed by an intruder who used her stolen credit card to make purchases, including a PS5, after concealing her body in a duffel bag.
Nadia Vitels, aged 52, was discovered deceased inside a duffel bag at her residence in Manhattan 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 home while she was moving in and remaining there when she returned later with her pet.
Tejada was charged with the murder, with court proceedings revealing that he had left Ms. Vitels’ body hidden in a bag within a closet, which was subsequently found by her son.
An indictment filed in April 2024 by prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office alleged that Tejada had fatally assaulted the victim. Prosecutors described Tejada’s actions as causing “a type of fracture typically associated with a high fall or being struck by a train.”
Subsequently, the pair stole her credit card, hid her body, and fled with Alston driving her car towards Pennsylvania, where they engaged in a nine-day spending spree using the stolen card. Their purchases included a PS5, clothing, food, and a diamond ring which they claimed to have used for an engagement.
Both individuals were apprehended on March 22, 2024, in York, Pennsylvania. They faced multiple charges including murder in the second degree, burglary in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, possession of stolen property, grand larceny, and concealing a human corpse.
Tejada was recently sentenced at the Manhattan Supreme Court after pleading guilty to second-degree murder on December 17 of the previous year. He received a prison term of 20 years to life, a decision praised by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L Bragg Jr, who extended condolences to the family of Ms. Vitels.
In a statement, Bragg remarked that Nadia Vitels was on the verge of a new life chapter when Halley Tejada cruelly ended her life in the very apartment she was moving into. He emphasized that Tejada’s sentence of 20 years to life in state prison reflects his abhorrent actions.
The victim’s son delivered a heartfelt statement during the sentencing, reminiscing about his mother and condemning Tejada as an “animal” for taking her away. He expressed his determination to live in a manner that honors his mother’s legacy.
As Alston’s legal case is ongoing, she has maintained her plea of not guilty.
