Story perspectives

Colombian Migrant Sentenced to 22 Years for Landlady's Murder

2/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Davi Vidal, a 20-year-old illegal migrant from Colombia, received a 22 ½ year prison sentence for murdering his Queens landlady, Zoraida Leo, during a rent dispute in December 2023.
Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant sentenced Vidal after he pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
Zoraida Leo was discovered dead in her home by her son the day after the incident.
Maria, Leo's sister, criticized the federal government for allowing Vidal to remain in the country, labeling him an "assassin."
Following his arrest, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a detainer for Vidal.

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Story summary

Davi Vidal, a 20-year-old illegal migrant from Colombia, received a 22 ½ year prison sentence for murdering his Queens landlady, Zoraida Leo, during a rent dispute in December 2023.
Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant sentenced Vidal after he pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
Zoraida Leo was discovered dead in her home by her son the day after the incident.
Maria, Leo's sister, criticized the federal government for allowing Vidal to remain in the country, labeling him an "assassin."
Following his arrest, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a detainer for Vidal.