A New York woman allegedly took the life of her apartment building’s superintendent after he attempted to collect overdue rent, according to authorities.
Sandra Navarro, 48, is facing charges of murder, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal possession of a weapon in relation to the tragic death of Jose Portillo, a 55-year-old superintendent at a Kew Gardens Hills apartment building in Queens.
Officials believe they struck Portillo in the head and stabbed him in the neck and leg. On Wednesday, they discovered his remains in rubbish bags stashed under a bed.
According to the medical examiner, Portillo died as a result of homicidal violence.
Officials claim Navarro and her husband had not paid rent in years and owed approximately $24,000.
Navarro’s husband advised investigators where to look for Portillo’s remains. He is not facing prosecution because surveillance video reveals he was at work all day and returned home barely 20 minutes before police arrived.
Neighbors reported that Portillo started his career as the building’s gardener and advanced through the ranks to become superintendent. Neighbors characterized him as a pleasant and dependable man who stopped to talk to others.
