Halley Tejada is scheduled for sentencing on Tuesday in a Manhattan courtroom for the murder of Nadia Vitels. The 52-year-old victim was discovered deceased in a New York City apartment, a case marked by its extreme violence.
The Discovery and Investigation
Nadia Vitels' son found her body in a closet within a Kips Bay apartment in March 2024. The NYPD launched an investigation into the circumstances of her death.
The medical examiner's office determined Vitels died from blunt force trauma to the head, confirming the homicide.
Suspects and Allegations
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Halley Tejada and Kensly Alston, who were teenagers at the time. Police reports indicate the pair were squatting in the apartment, which had been vacant since Vitels' mother passed away.
Vitels reportedly arrived at the apartment, possibly to move someone in, and was allegedly surprised and assaulted by Tejada and Alston.
Legal Proceedings
Tejada pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in December. His sentencing will now take place as scheduled.
Meanwhile, Kensly Alston's case is still pending. Alston has entered a plea of not guilty, and her legal proceedings continue separately.
Aftermath and Stolen Vehicle
Following the murder, Tejada and Alston were captured on surveillance footage stealing Vitels' Lexus. The vehicle was later involved in a crash in Pennsylvania.
The suspects were apprehended in York, Pennsylvania, approximately 185 miles from Manhattan, and faced charges related to the stolen vehicle.
The court will now determine Tejada's sentence, considering the gravity of the crime and its surrounding details.
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