NEW YORK, NY – A Manhattan woman faces murder and robbery charges after authorities say she drugged four men with fentanyl-laced substances in a series of targeted attacks, resulting in three deaths and multiple thefts.
Tabitha Bundrick, 38, was arrested and charged with three counts of second-degree murder, four counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree burglary, and one count of second-degree assault, according to prosecutors. The charges stem from a string of incidents between April 2023 and February 2024 in which Bundrick allegedly administered lethal doses of fentanyl mixed with other drugs to incapacitate her victims before stealing their belongings.
Investigators say Bundrick specifically sought out her victims, luring them with offers of sex or companionship before providing them the tainted narcotics. The victims, all men, were rendered unconscious by the drugs, with three dying as a result, authorities allege.
The first incident occurred on April 30, 2023, when Bundrick allegedly approached two men in Washington Heights, Manhattan. After initially offering to sell them soap, she reportedly suggested engaging in sex for payment and led them to a vacant apartment she had broken into on West 159th Street. Inside, she gave them what she claimed was cocaine but was actually laced with fentanyl, causing them to lose consciousness. One man woke up the next morning to find his companion, 42-year-old Mario Paullan, deceased and several personal items, including his phone, missing.
Nearly five months later, a similar pattern emerged. Prosecutors say Bundrick met Miguel Navez, 39, and visited his apartment on West 158th Street. She allegedly provided him with the same fentanyl-laced drugs, and he was found dead by his brother days later, with valuables missing from the home.
A third fatality was reported on February 25, 2024, the investigation revealed. Bundrick allegedly gained access to Abrihan Fernandez’s apartment on West 144th Street in Upper Manhattan and, according to authorities, supplied him with the illicit drugs. Security footage reportedly captured Bundrick entering and leaving the building multiple times, carrying bags that included the victim’s belongings. Fernandez’s credit card was used in several transactions in the following days.
During a search of Bundrick’s residence in early March, police say they recovered multiple items traced back to the victims, including four pairs of sneakers believed to have been stolen during the robberies.
Before these state charges, Bundrick had pleaded guilty in federal court last year to two counts of narcotics distribution, receiving a 13-year prison sentence. The state charges, if resulting in conviction, could lead to a life sentence served concurrently with her federal term.
Bundrick’s attorneys acknowledged her actions, stating her intention was never to harm anyone fatally, but did not deny her involvement in providing the drugs. She is currently detained without bail at Rikers Island as legal proceedings continue.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation was lengthy and involved collaboration among several agencies. They also warn that similar schemes involving drugs and theft will be vigorously prosecuted.
No trial date has been set, and Bundrick remains in custody as the case moves forward.