Home Life Style Woman allegedly murders 55-year-old landlord for non-payment of rent and hides body in garbage bag under bed

Woman allegedly murders 55-year-old landlord for non-payment of rent and hides body in garbage bag under bed

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Woman allegedly murders 55-year-old landlord for non-payment of rent and hides body in garbage bag under bed

A Queens woman has been accused of killing a beloved building superintendent for unpaid rent and hiding his body under a bed wrapped in trash bags. Sandra Coto Navarro, 48, faces charges of murder, tampering with physical evidence and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the death of Jose Portillo, 55.

As Navarro was escorted away in handcuffs, witnesses reported seeing a smile on her face. Authorities allege Navarro, who lived in a Kew Gardens Hills apartment, and her husband owed approximately $24,000 in unpaid rent, having not paid in years. Researchers say Portillo received a blow to the head and stabbed in the neck and leg before hiding his body under a bed.

His remains were discovered on Wednesday, January 15. Neighbors were shocked by the news. One resident described Navarro as a kind and friendly person. “She was always sweet, honestly. She was very, very sweet. “I’m a little surprised by this whole thing.” said the neighbor.

Police reviewed CCTV footage which allegedly showed that Navarro’s husband was at work the entire day of the incident. He returned home just 20 minutes before police arrived and allegedly informed them of Portillo’s location. Authorities have confirmed that he will not face charges related to the death.

The medical examiner determined that Portillo’s death was due to homicidal violence. Portillo, a well-known figure in the community, had worked as a gardener before becoming the building’s superintendent. Neighbors described him as a friendly, helpful man who was always willing to stop for a chat or help with chores.

This tragic case follows another shocking crime in South Carolina, where Anthony Louis Lopez, 39, is accused of murdering his sister, Lisa Rosenzweig, 53, last November. Lopez, who waived his right to a lawyer, has made bizarre public statements, including urging others to “follow the law of God and the law of man.”

Rosenzweig’s body was discovered after a social control at his home. Investigators believe she was killed by blunt force trauma. López was arrested in North Carolina and extradited to South Carolina, where he faces a possible death penalty. Both cases highlight the devastating consequences of violence, leaving communities grieving and searching for answers.


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