Two teenage squatters are facing charges in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was discovered stuffed in a duffel bag in her mother’s Manhattan apartment. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that 18-year-old Kensly Alston and 19-year-old Halley Tejada have been indicted on multiple charges, including murder, burglary, robbery, and concealing a human corpse.
The victim, 52-year-old Nadia Vitels, was found dead with blunt force injuries to her head in her mother’s Kips Bay apartment on March 14. Authorities allege that Alston and Tejada committed the murder and then fled the scene in Vitels’ car, eventually traveling to Pennsylvania. They were later located and extradited back to New York City.
The charges against the teens stem from a series of events that led to Vitels’ tragic death. The brutal nature of the crime and the discovery of Vitels’ body in her own home shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety and security, especially regarding unauthorized occupants in residential buildings.
The case highlights the serious consequences of illegal occupation and criminal activities, particularly when it results in violence and loss of life. The prosecution’s efforts to bring justice for Vitels and hold the accused accountable underscore the importance of swift and thorough investigations in cases of violent crimes.
As the legal proceedings continue, authorities are focused on gathering evidence and presenting a strong case against Alston and Tejada. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and community awareness to prevent such senseless acts of violence.
