Manhunt underway for squatters accused of killing woman found in suitcase in Manhattan

KIPS BAY, Manhattan (PIX11) – A multi-state manhunt is underway for a pair of squatters accused of killing a mother and stuffing her in a suitcase in Manhattan, according to officials.

Concerned family members of 52-year-old Nadia Vitel, of Long Island, called the super of an East 31st Street apartment building in Kips Bay to check on her last Thursday, according to authorities. He called 911, and that’s when her body was discovered in a suitcase in a closet, police said.

Vitel’s dog was also found in the apartment, unharmed.

Police believe the squatters snuck inside the apartment on March 10. The victim came to the apartment two days later to clean it for family friends, according to authorities.

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The suspects were then seen on video leaving in the victim’s Lexus, police said. Her stolen car was found crashed in Pennsylvania by police.

The duo is still on the run, according to authorities. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said authorities know who the suspects are, and are actively looking for them.

Lawmakers are now looking to make squatting a form of criminal trespassing. A bill filed by a Long Island politician would take away squatters’ rights.

The bill is currently being considered by state lawmakers.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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