QUEENS, NEW YORK – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment of Davi Vidal, 19, for the murder of his landlady in East Elmhurst. The fatal incident, reportedly stemming from a rent dispute, has led to charges of second-degree murder against Vidal, who could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
The sequence of events began on December 4, when the victim, Leo, discussed with a witness her intentions to talk to Vidal about overdue rent for an attic unit. The conversation between Leo and Vidal was scheduled for that evening in her apartment.
On December 5, around 5:00 p.m., Leo’s son, concerned about his mother’s absence from work and lack of response to family contacts, visited her apartment. Finding her unresponsive at the bathroom entrance, he immediately contacted the police.
At the scene, police found Vidal, visibly upset with scratch marks on his face. An autopsy by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Leo died from strangulation. The investigation, led by Detective Ryan O’Leary of the NYPD’s 115th Precinct Detective Squad, culminated in Vidal’s indictment.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Nicole Aloise of the Homicide Bureau is prosecuting the case, under the guidance of various senior officials, including Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Shawn Clark. The DA’s office has emphasized its commitment to seeking justice for the victim and her family.