Manhattan, New York – Two teenage squatters were charged with the murder of Nadia Vitels, a 52-year-old Manhattan mom whose body was discovered stuffed in a duffle bag in her late mother’s apartment. Halley Tejada, 19, and Kensly Alston, 18, were extradited from Pennsylvania to face charges in connection with Vitels’ death. Vitels had encountered the intruders when she visited her mom’s upscale apartment.
Tejada was seen being led out of the 17th Precinct stationhouse in handcuffs, with both suspects set to face arraignment on second-degree murder charges in Manhattan Criminal Court. Police found Vitels’ body during a welfare check on March 14, discovering her in a duffle bag in a closet. The apartment had been vacant for several months following the death of Vitels’ mother.
On March 10, Vitels had returned from a trip to Spain and visited the apartment to prepare it for relatives. Security cameras captured Tejada and Alston entering the building that day. Two days later, Vitels’ son received a text from her, but she was never heard from again. Concerned, her son called the police, leading to the discovery of her body.
Vitels’ autopsy revealed blunt force injuries to the head, facial fractures, a brain injury, and broken ribs. Surveillance footage showed the suspects fleeing the apartment and stealing Vitels’ Lexus SUV. They were later apprehended in Lower Paxton Township after using the victim’s credit card.
The teens are currently in custody awaiting extradition back to New York. The tragic murder of Nadia Vitels has shocked the community, leaving many to wonder about the circumstances surrounding her untimely death. Authorities continue to investigate the case to bring justice to Vitels and her family.