Colombian Immigrant Sentenced for Murder of Queens Landlord

Authorities have announced that a Colombian immigrant, Davi Vidal, was sentenced to over 20 years in prison for the brutal murder of his landlord in Queens. This case highlights the tragic consequences of disputes over rent.

Back in December 2023, the then-teenager Vidal, aged 20, fatally assaulted 55-year-old Zoraida Leo during a disagreement regarding unpaid rent. The attack involved both strangulation and the use of an iron cord.

In Queens Supreme Court, Judge Ushir Pandit Durant imposed a sentence of 22 and a half years in prison on Vidal, who entered a guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter last month. Additionally, he will serve five years of post-release supervision.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, “This defendant brutally attacked Zoraida Leo and then cruelly left her to die in her own home.” She emphasized that no family should have to suffer the loss of a loved one in such a horrendous way and noted that while the damage is irreversible, the sentence brings some measure of justice for Leo’s family.

Maria Leo, the victim’s sister, had previously described Vidal as an “assassin,” expressing disbelief that he was allowed into the country. “Why did the federal government let this delinquent go unchecked, and then he killed my sister?” she questioned in an interview.

Following his arrest for the December 4, 2023, murder, Vidal was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to reports, Zoraida Leo’s body was discovered the day after the incident in the doorway of her bathroom when she failed to show up for work and didn’t respond to calls.

When police arrived, Vidal was found crying inside the home, with visible bruises on his face, raising further questions regarding the circumstances of the incident.