A woman who was on the verge of embarking on a new phase of her life met a tragic end when she was brutally killed by an intruder who later 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 moving into the property on March 14, 2024. Halley Tejada and Kensly Alston were accused by prosecutors of unlawfully entering her home while she was settling in, and being present in the residence when she returned later with her dog.
Tejada faced charges of murdering Vitels, with court proceedings revealing that he had hidden her body in a bag within a closet, which was later found by her son in a state of shock.
An indictment filed in April 2024 by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office alleged that Tejada fatally assaulted the victim, causing injuries described as similar to those seen in high-impact incidents like train collisions or falls from heights.
Following the crime, the duo stole her credit card, hid her body, and fled with Alston driving Vitels’ car towards Pennsylvania, where they engaged in a spending spree over nine days using the stolen card. The items purchased included a PS5, clothing, food, and a diamond ring that they purportedly used for an engagement.
Their capture took place on March 22, 2024, in York, Pennsylvania. Both were charged with multiple offenses, including murder in the second degree, burglary in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, possession of stolen property, grand larceny, and concealment of a human corpse.
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 judgment praised by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr, who also conveyed sympathies to Vitels’ family.
Bragg stated, “Nadia Vitels was on the brink of a new beginning when Halley Tejada viciously ended her life in the very apartment she was moving into. Halley Tejada has been given a 20-year-to-life sentence in state prison for his despicable and deadly actions.”
He added, “My heart goes out to Ms. Vitels’ loved ones who are still mourning her tragic loss. While this sentence cannot bring her back, I hope it provides some solace.”
During Tejada’s sentencing, Vitels’ son delivered a victim impact statement to the court, reminiscing about his loving mother and condemning Tejada as an “animal” for taking her away from him. He shared, “Her laughter was unique and infectious. I can still hear it. It was us against the world. Now, it’s just me. I’m alone because this animal took her from me.”
He concluded by pledging to live his life in the spirit of his mother, embracing hard work, selflessness, and courage. Prosecutors mentioned that Alston’s case is ongoing, and she has pleaded not guilty.
