In a shocking turn of events that feels like a plot straight out of a crime drama, a New York woman has been charged with murder following the death of her apartment building’s superintendent. This tragic story unfolds in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, where tensions over unpaid rent spiraled into an unspeakable act of violence. Sandra Navarro, 48, allegedly took the life of 55-year-old Jose Portillo after he attempted to collect approximately $24,000 in overdue rent. As the details emerge—Portillo’s body discovered tied up in garbage bags—the mind races to ponder: how did we get here? Is this a reflection of the pressures of urban living, or something darker at play? With neighbors describing Portillo as a friendly figure who had worked his way up from gardener to superintendent, this incident leaves us grappling with the fragility of community ties. To understand the full story, click here to LEARN MORE.
“Police say a New York woman killed her apartment building’s superintendent when he tried to collect late rent.
Sandra Navarro, 48, is charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence and criminal possession of a weapon in connection to the death of 55-year-old Jose Portillo, the superintendent at a Kew Gardens Hills apartment building in Queens.
Officials believe Portillo was hit on the head and stabbed in the neck and leg. They found his body in garbage bags stuffed under a bed Wednesday. The medical examiner said Portillo’s cause of death was homicidal violence.
Officials say Navarro and her husband hadn’t paid rent in years and owed about $24,000.
Navarro’s husband told police where to find Portillo’s remains. He’s not facing charges because surveillance video shows he was at work all day and only came home 20 minutes before police arrived.
Neighbors say Portillo started as the building’s gardener and worked his way up to become the superintendent. He was described as a friendly and reliable man who would stop to talk to people.” – Wsaz News | Posted by Thrillz