Devastated son blasts ‘animal’ squatter who stomped NYC mom to death as she planned fresh start

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The Tragic Killing of Nadia Vitels: Son Speaks Out Against Ruthless Squatter

The heart-wrenching story of Nadia Vitels, a New York mom brutally stomped to death by a heartless squatter in her Manhattan apartment, has left her son devastated and seeking justice for the senseless crime. Halley Tejada, the perpetrator, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the vicious killing that robbed Vitels of her life just as she was embarking on a new chapter after years of caring for her ailing parents.

Michael Medvedev, Vitels’ son, described his mother as a resilient entrepreneur with an infectious laugh who dedicated her life to providing him with stability, opportunities, and security. In a poignant statement, he expressed his deep loss and anger towards Tejada, whom he referred to as an “animal” for taking his mother away from him.

Halley Tejada, 21, was slapped with a 20-year prison sentence for the vicious March 2024 killing of Nadia Vitels. Steven Hirsch for NY Post

On March 12, 2024, Tejada and another squatter, Kensley Alston, were trespassing in Vitels’ vacant apartment when she confronted them. Despite her attempts to evict them, Tejada turned violent and chased her, ultimately causing her death by stomping on her and stuffing her body in a duffel bag.

Nadia Vitels, 52, was stomped to death and stuffed in a duffel bag inside her Manhattan apartment on March 12, 2024. Nadia Vitels/Facebook

Medvedev expressed his anguish at the loss of his mother, who had sacrificed her own dreams to care for her parents and was finally looking forward to a life of her own. He recounted the horror of realizing something was wrong when he couldn’t reach her, leading to the discovery of her lifeless body with severe injuries.

Tejada and Alston fled the scene in Vitels’ car, using her credit card for a spending spree before being apprehended in Pennsylvania. Their callous actions and lack of remorse only added to the tragedy of Vitels’ untimely death.

The victim ordered the intruders out of the apartment – once owned by her mother – but Tejada snapped and threatened to kill her. William Farrington for NY Post

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg condemned the heinous act, acknowledging that no sentence could bring back Vitels but hoping it would provide some comfort to her loved ones. As Alston’s case awaits further legal proceedings, the memory of Nadia Vitels lives on through the unwavering love of her son and the pursuit of justice for her tragic death.