A woman in the midst of a life transition was tragically killed by an intruder who later used her stolen credit card to purchase 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 preparing to move into the property on March 14, 2024. Halley Tejada and Kensly Alston were accused by prosecutors of unlawfully entering her home while she was in the process of moving and remaining there when she returned a few days later with her dog.
Tejada was charged with the murder, and it was disclosed in court that he had hidden Ms. Vitels’ body in a bag inside a closet, which was subsequently uncovered by her son in a horrifying discovery.
According to an indictment filed in April 2024 by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Tejada fatally assaulted the victim, causing injuries described as “similar to those from a high fall or train impact.”
Following the crime, the duo stole her credit card, hid her body, and drove away with Alston in her car bound for Pennsylvania, where they embarked on a nine-day shopping spree using the card. Among the items they purchased were a PS5, apparel, food, and a diamond ring they claimed to be engaged with.
Their capture took place on March 22, 2024, in York, Pennsylvania. Both individuals were charged with multiple offenses, including murder, burglary, robbery, possession of stolen property, grand larceny, and concealing a human corpse.
Tejada was recently sentenced at the Manhattan Supreme Court after confessing to second-degree murder on December 17 of the previous year. He received a 20-year-to-life prison term, a decision praised by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L Bragg Jr as he extended sympathies to Ms. Vitels’ family.
In a statement, Bragg remarked, “Nadia Vitels was on the brink of a new life chapter when Halley Tejada brutally ended her life in the very apartment she was moving into. Halley Tejada has now been handed a 20-year-to-life prison sentence for his heinous and deadly actions.”
Expressing condolences, he added, “My thoughts are with Ms. Vitels’ loved ones who continue to grieve her painful loss. While this sentence cannot bring her back, I hope it offers some solace.”
During sentencing, Ms. Vitels’ son delivered a victim impact statement, reminiscing about his loving mother and condemning Tejada as a heartless perpetrator. Emotionally, he shared, “Her laughter was unique, infectious. I still hear it. It was us against the world. Now, it’s just me. This monster took her away from me.”
He concluded, pledging to honor his mother’s memory by living life to the fullest with dedication, selflessness, and courage. Alston’s legal proceedings are ongoing, and she has pleaded not guilty.
