In a shocking case that has rocked New York City, Halley Tejada was sentenced to 20 years for the brutal murder of 52-year-old Nadia Vitels in her own apartment. Tejada’s heinous crime included beating Vitels to death, hiding her body in a duffel bag, and then using her credit card to purchase a PlayStation 5 and other items.
On December 17, 2025, Tejada entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder at Manhattan Supreme Court, where he received a sentence that has drawn considerable attention. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. expressed his dismay at the circumstances surrounding the case, stating, “Nadia Vitels was about to start a new chapter of her life when Halley Tejada brutally murdered her in the very apartment she was moving into.” He emphasized that while the sentence cannot bring Vitels back, it serves as a measure of justice for her grieving loved ones.
According to the district attorney’s office, the court opted for a shorter sentence than the 25 years to life that prosecutors had sought. Vitels’ body was discovered on March 14, 2024, by her son, who found her hidden in a cupboard inside a duffel bag in their Kips Bay residence.
Tejada, along with co-defendant Kensly Alston, reportedly broke into Vitels’ apartment while she was in the process of moving. They remained inside when she returned a few days later, leading to the tragic confrontation that resulted in her death. The indictment revealed that Vitels was beaten and her body concealed in a coat closet.
In addition to murder charges, Tejada and Alston allegedly used Vitels’ credit cards to finance a shopping spree, which included items like a PS5, AirPods, clothing, food, and even a diamond ring before fleeing to Pennsylvania in her vehicle. Their criminal activities also included burglary, robbery, and concealing a corpse.
While Tejada’s case has reached a resolution, Alston’s legal proceedings are ongoing, as she has pleaded not guilty. The details of this horrific crime continue to send shockwaves through the community, raising questions about safety and justice.
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