A woman on the brink of a fresh start in her life fell victim to a heinous crime, as a trespasser took her life and then used her credit card to purchase a PS5 after concealing her body in a duffel bag.
Nadia Vitels, aged 52, was tragically discovered deceased inside a duffel bag at her residence in Manhattan as she was in the process of moving into 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 in the midst of relocating and being present at the residence when she returned with her dog a few days later.
Tejada faced charges of murder, with reports from a court hearing indicating that he left Ms. Vitels’ body hidden in a bag within a closet, which was later uncovered by her son in a shocking revelation.
In an indictment released in April 2024 by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Tejada was accused of causing fatal injuries to the victim. Prosecutors alleged that Tejada had inflicted severe trauma akin to injuries seen in high-impact incidents like train accidents or falls from significant heights.
Following the crime, the duo stole her credit card, concealed her body, and fled with Alston in her vehicle towards Pennsylvania, embarking on a nine-day spending spree utilizing the stolen card for various purchases, including a PS5, attire, food, and a diamond ring they claimed to be engaged with.
Their capture took place on March 22, 2024, in York, Pennsylvania. Both were charged with multiple criminal offenses, including murder in the second degree, first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, possession of stolen property, grand larceny, and concealing a deceased body.
Tejada was recently sentenced at the Manhattan Supreme Court after admitting guilt 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 Vitels family.
Expressing his thoughts, the District Attorney stated, “Nadia Vitels was on the verge of a new beginning in her life when Halley Tejada ruthlessly ended it in the very apartment she was about to move into. Halley Tejada has been handed a sentence of 20 years to life in state prison for his despicable and deadly actions.”
In his victim impact statement during the sentencing, Ms. Vitels’ son fondly remembered his mother while condemning Tejada as a heartless individual, declaring, “Her laughter was unique and contagious. I can still hear it in my mind. It was us against the world. Now, it’s just me. I am alone. This monster took her away from me.”
Concluding his statement, he vowed to honor his mother’s memory by living life to the fullest with dedication, selflessness, and courage. Alston’s legal proceedings are ongoing, as she has pleaded not guilty.
