Police sources in New York City are shedding light on a murder mystery unfolding in Manhattan. The Joint Fugitive Task Force is on the hunt for two suspects in connection with the killing of 52-year-old Nadia Vitels inside her mother’s apartment in the Kips Bay neighborhood.
According to sources, Vitels had traveled from Spain to Manhattan to prepare the apartment for occupation by a family friend, as it had remained vacant for months following her mother’s passing. Unbeknownst to Vitels, two squatters had taken up residence in the apartment. Surveillance footage captured her movements in and out of the apartment before the suspects returned, with tragic consequences.
Vitels’ body was discovered stuffed in a duffel bag in a closet on the 19th floor of the building on 31st Street. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide due to blunt force trauma to the head. The suspects, who remain at large, were caught on video stealing Vitels’ Lexus and later attempting to purchase a car after being involved in an accident in Pennsylvania.
Meanwhile, as Vitels’ loved ones grapple with the loss, her son Michael Medvedev fondly remembers her excitement at moving into the city and her unwavering support for his endeavors. In a heartfelt tribute at her funeral, Medvedev described his mother as a strong, wise, and generous woman who always stood by him.
In light of this tragic incident, concerns have been raised about squatters’ rights in New York. Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz is advocating for legislation to address these issues and prevent similar confrontations in the future. The current law allows squatters to be considered tenants after 30 days in a unit, a loophole that Blumencranz aims to close to protect property owners.
As the investigation into Vitels’ murder continues and efforts to reform squatters’ rights gain traction, the community mourns the loss of a vibrant and cherished member. The search for justice and meaningful change in the wake of this tragedy remains ongoing.