Superintendent Found Dead Under Tenant's Bed in Queens
Jose Portillo walked into 48-year-old Sandra Coto-Navarro's apartment in Queens, New York, one winter morning to do his job. It wasn't the kind of job anyone envied — collecting $24,000 in unpaid rent from a tenant who hadn't made a payment in years. But Portillo, 55 years old, was known for his friendly demeanor and hard work — qualities that turned this former gardener into a trusted building superintendent. By nightfall, that man was found dead, his body wrapped in garbage bags and hidden under a bed.
A Crime Scene That Stunned a Community
The police arrived at Coto-Navarro's apartment in Kew Gardens Hills after Portillo's coworkers reported him missing on Jan. 14, 2024. They said he hadn't returned after visiting her apartment earlier that day, and their calls had gone unanswered. The officers knocked on her door once and left but returned later — only to discover the grim scene.
According to authorities, the apartment smelled strongly of bleach. Bloodstains marked the floor near the bed, and a mop leaned against the dresser. Tucked under the bed, Portillo's body lay wrapped in black garbage bags and clothing. A medical examiner's report revealed he died from blunt force trauma to the head, with a plastic bag placed over his face. After death, he'd also suffered stab wounds to his neck and leg.
What Happened Inside That Apartment?
Coto-Navarro didn't offer much clarity. She allegedly told police that Portillo had stopped by earlier and left after she handed over $23,000 in cash. But surveillance footage, according to prosecutors, didn't back her up. The footage reportedly showed Portillo entering her apartment but never leaving.
Coto-Navarro's husband, who police confirmed was at work all day, came home 20 minutes before officers arrived for the second time. When questioned, he directed them to Portillo's body, but prosecutors said he wouldn't face charges.
'A Gruesome Murder'
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz called the killing a "gruesome murder" in a press release, as reported by PEOPLE. According to the same source, Katz also gave the following statement, "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."
The charges against Coto-Navarro include second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and weapon possession. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years to life in prison.
A Beloved Neighbor Gone
For the residents of 70th Avenue, Portillo wasn't just the superintendent — he was a fixture of their community. Neighbors recalled how he always stopped to chat and made time for anyone who needed help.
Residents also registered shock that Coto-Navarro may have been involved in this grisly crime. One neighbor told ABC 7, "She was always sweet honestly. She was very, very sweet. I'm just a little surprised by this whole thing."
This crime has left many grappling with its brutality and randomness. What started as a routine rent collection ended with a life taken and a community devastated.
Reflecting on a Tragedy
The story of Jose Portillo's death isn't just about a financial dispute gone horribly wrong — it's a stark reminder of how violence disrupts lives in unimaginable ways. As Queens residents mourn the loss of a man they trusted and relied on, the broader questions remain: How did a rent dispute escalate to murder? And what can be done to prevent tragedies like this in the future?
For now, Sandra Coto-Navarro sits in custody, and Jose Portillo's family and neighbors are left to grieve the kind, friendly man whose life was stolen in such a cruel and violent way.
References: Woman Accused of Killing Building Superintendent, Wrapping Body in Garbage Bags After He Came to Collect Rent | Woman charged after superintendent found dead, body wrapped in garbage bags inside Queens apartment | Tenant Charged With Murder of Building Superintendent Who Was Trying to Collect Unpaid Rent
