Story by Ethan
On January 17th, 2025, charges against Sandra Coto-Navarro, 48, were announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Sandra Coto-Navarro was charged with second-degree Murder, two counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence, and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. These charges stem from Sandra Coto-Navarro allegedly killing her building’s superintendent Jose Portillo, age 55.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, “This was a gruesome murder. As alleged, the defendant not only murdered the superintendent trying to collect rent, but attempted to dismember the lifeless victim, wrapped his body in black garbage bags and tried bleaching the area. Now, a life has been lost and a family is in upheaval because the defendant allegedly chose to resolve a rent dispute with violence. This is not the way a civilized society operates. The defendant will face justice for this heinous murder.”
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Jose Portillo entered Sandra Coto-Navarro’s apartment on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025, at approximately 8:40 a.m. to collect unpaid rent on the landlord’s behalf. Jose Portillo’s coworkers called the police later in the day after he failed to return from Sandra Coto-Navarro’s apartment. The coworkers attempted to contact Jose Portillo several times by calling his phone. After not receiving a response, a 911 call was placed at around 5:00 p.m. to report Jose Portillo missing, and ask for help finding him. When officers arrived at the building they reviewed security footage and questioned Sandra Coto-Navarro, who claimed that Jose Portillo went to her apartment earlier in the day and collected $23,000 that she paid Jose Portillo before he left. However, security footage did not show Jose Portillo leaving Sandra Coto-Navarro’s apartment. Police returned to Sandra Coto-Navarro’s apartment and discovered Jose Portillo’s lifeless body wrapped in clothing and black garbage bags under the bed. Officers also reported a strong smell of bleach, as well as what appeared to be blood near the bed accompanied by a mop. Sandra Coto-Navarro was arrested on the scene. According to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Jose Portillo suffered from multiple blunt-force trauma injuries, and a bag placed over his head which ultimately was his cause of death. Jose Portillo also suffered from post-mortem sharp force injuries to his neck and left knee.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office stated that the charges against Sandra Coto-Navarro are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
