Authorities have apprehended two individuals believed to be connected to the tragic death of 52-year-old Nadia Vitels in New York. The suspects were captured in York, Pennsylvania by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force following the discovery of Vitels' body in her Manhattan apartment.
Vitels, a Russian native, was found unconscious and unresponsive inside a duffel bag in her apartment on East 31st Street. She had recently returned from Spain to prepare the apartment, which had been occupied by squatters in her absence.
According to reports, Vitels encountered a man and a woman living in her apartment upon her return. The circumstances of how the squatters gained access to the space remain unclear. Tragically, Vitels sustained fatal blunt-force trauma during a struggle with one of the intruders.
Following a welfare check requested by Vitels' family, her body was discovered by her son, Michael Medvedev. The suspects were seen fleeing the scene in Vitels' Lexus SUV, eventually crashing in Pennsylvania after crossing state lines.
The suspects, described as teenagers by Pennsylvania officials, attempted to purchase a vehicle for $1,000 at local dealerships after the crash. The NYPD is actively investigating the case as a homicide, with the medical examiner confirming the cause of death as blunt-force trauma.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated that the suspects were caught on surveillance video fleeing the apartment and that one of them had a prior arrest record. Vitels, a successful marketer who worked for notable companies like Canon and Nokia, was remembered fondly by her son at her funeral.
The tragic incident has shocked the community and raised concerns about squatters occupying vacant properties. The investigation into Vitels' death continues as authorities work to bring justice for her and her family.
