A 48-year-old woman in New York City, Sandra Coto-Navarro, has been charged with murdering her apartment building manager, 55-year-old Jose Portillo, who had gone to her apartment to collect unpaid rent.
Police say Mr. Portillo’s body was found hidden under a bed in Ms. Coto-Navarro’s apartment... Continue reading here ▶
He was wrapped in trash bags and clothes.
His coworkers became worried when he didn’t return after visiting her apartment and called the police.
When questioned, Ms. Coto-Navarro claimed she had paid Mr. Portillo $23,000, and he left afterward.
However, security camera footage showed no evidence of him leaving her apartment.
Police later searched her apartment again and found his body in the bedroom.
They also noticed the smell of bleach, a mop, and what appeared to be blood near the bed and dresser.
Medical examiners revealed that Mr. Portillo had been struck in the head multiple times and suffocated with a bag over his head. They also discovered cuts on his body that were made after he had died.
Neighbors described Mr. Portillo as a friendly man who had once worked as a gardener.
Ms. Coto-Navarro was arrested and faces charges of murder, tampering with evidence, and weapon possession. It is unclear if she has a lawyer or has entered a plea.
The district attorney called the crime horrific, stating that Ms. Coto-Navarro not only killed Mr. Portillo but also attempted to dismember his body, wrap it in trash bags, and clean the scene with bleach. He emphasized that such violence over unpaid rent is unacceptable and vowed to seek justice. If convicted, Ms. Coto-Navarro could face 25 years to life in prison.