Woman Accused of Killing Building Superintendent Who Came to Collect Rent

New York Woman Accused of Murdering Building Superintendent Over Unpaid Rent

Tragic Discovery

A 55-year-old building superintendent, Jose Portillo, was found dead in a New York City apartment, wrapped in garbage bags and clothes, with multiple blunt force injuries to the head, a bag over his head, and post-mortem sharp force injuries to his neck and left leg. The suspect, 48-year-old Sandra Coto-Navarro, was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and weapon possession.

The Incident

Portillo was last seen by his coworkers on January 14, 2023, when he failed to return from Coto-Navarro’s apartment or answer his phone. The following day, his coworkers called the police, who discovered his body wrapped in garbage bags and clothes stuffed under a bed. An investigation revealed that Coto-Navarro claimed Portillo stopped by her apartment earlier that day, but surveillance video showed no sign of him leaving the building.

Investigation and Arrest

Police were directed to the bedroom, where they found a strong smell of bleach, a mop, and what appeared to be blood near the bed and a dresser. The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Portillo sustained multiple blunt force injuries to the head and a bag was placed over his head, causing his death. The victim also sustained post-mortem sharp force injuries to his neck and left leg near the knee.

Charges and Sentence

Coto-Navarro was arraigned on January 16 on charges of second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and weapon possession. She is expected to appear in court on January 17. If convicted, she faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Reactions and Statements

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called the incident a "gruesome murder" and stated, "This is not the way a civilized society operates. The defendant will face justice for this heinous murder."

Conclusion

The tragic death of Jose Portillo serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of addressing disputes in a peaceful and constructive manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the motive behind the murder?
A: The motive behind the murder is alleged to be the unpaid rent dispute between Coto-Navarro and Portillo, who was attempting to collect the rent on behalf of the landlord.

Q: What were the charges brought against Coto-Navarro?
A: Coto-Navarro was charged with second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and weapon possession.

Q: What is the potential sentence Coto-Navarro faces?
A: If convicted, Coto-Navarro faces up to 25 years to life in prison.