Two squatters who took over NYC home of woman found beaten to death, stuffed in duffel bag sought for murder

Vitel was found with blunt force trauma to the head.

Police sources are providing further insight into a murder investigation unfolding in Manhattan, shedding light on the tragic death of Nadia Vitels, 52, inside her mother's apartment in New York City.

The Joint Fugitive Task Force is actively pursuing two suspects in connection with the incident, which took place in the Kips Bay neighborhood. Sources indicate that the suspects were squatters.

Vitels, who had traveled from Spain to prepare the apartment for occupation by a family friend, was unaware that the apartment had been occupied by squatters after her mother's passing, leaving it vacant for several months.

The victim, Nadia Vitel, was found stashed in a duffle bag inside her late mother's upscale Manhattan apartment last week, cops said.

According to police sources, surveillance footage captured Vitels entering and leaving the apartment upon her arrival. It's believed that the suspects returned to the apartment after Vitels arrived, leading to a confrontation that resulted in her tragic death from blunt force trauma.

Vitels' body was discovered stuffed in a duffel bag in the front closet of an apartment on the 19th floor of the building on 31st Street. Superintendent Jean Pompee recounted the discovery, noting that concerned family members raised the alarm after being unable to contact her.

The medical examiner's report confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head, ruling it a homicide.

The NYPD carried out evidence bags after finding her body last week.

While the suspects, who were not previously known to Vitels, remain at large, police sources have identified them as the individuals seen on video stealing her Lexus from the street and fleeing the scene.

The stolen vehicle was later involved in an accident in Pennsylvania, and the suspects were observed attempting to purchase a car at used car dealerships following the crash.