A New York City woman faces severe charges after a rent dispute escalated into what officials are calling a "gruesome murder."
Sandra Coto-Navarro, 48, is accused of killing her building superintendent, Jose Portillo, 55, who had come to collect unpaid rent on behalf of the landlord.
Coto-Navarro was arraigned Thursday on charges including second-degree murder, tampering with evidence and weapon possession, according to a Queens District Attorney's Office release.
Portillo's body was discovered Tuesday, reportedly wrapped in garbage bags and hidden under a bed in Coto-Navarro's apartment. Portillo's coworkers had called police when they didn't hear from him.
"As alleged, the defendant not only murdered the superintendent trying to collect rent, but attempted to dismember the lifeless victim, wrapped his body in black garbage bags and tried bleaching the area," said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. "This is not the way a civilized society operates. The defendant will face justice for this heinous murder."
Coto-Navarro initially told investigators that she had paid Portillo $23,000 and that he had left her apartment shortly afterward. However, surveillance footage reviewed by police reportedly shows no trace of Portillo leaving.
The medical examiner determined Portillo's death resulted from blunt force trauma to the head, with additional post-mortem injuries, including sharp force wounds to his neck and leg. "A bag was placed over his head, causing his death," the release states.
Neighbors told ABC7 Coto-Navarro was kind and that they were stunned by the events. "She was always sweet honestly. She was very, very sweet. I'm just a little surprised by this whole thing," one neighbor said.
Coto-Navarro was arrested at the scene and is being held pending her next court appearance. If convicted, she faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
"A life has been lost and a family is in upheaval because the defendant allegedly chose to resolve a rent dispute with violence," Katz said.
