Manhattan Woman Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl-Related Murders
A Manhattan woman, Tabitha Bundrick, has pleaded guilty to killing three of her clients by administering fentanyl-laced drugs with the intent to rob them. This plea came through on Tuesday as confirmed by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Bundrick, aged 39, admitted to administering the lethal synthetic opioid to her clients between April 2023 and February 2024. She subsequently stole personal items from these individuals, including their cell phones, sneakers, money, and watches.
“The defendant knowingly killed three people by providing them fentanyl-laced drugs,” stated District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “As they lay unconscious, she robbed her victims and left them to die. In several instances, the victims’ bodies were found by their friends or family members.”
This case highlights the rising concerns over fentanyl use and the proposed legal changes targeting drug dealers. Proposed legislation aims to impose harsher penalties on those dealing in fentanyl.
Bragg pointed out Bundrick’s “shocking indifference” to the lives of her victims. She now faces a potential sentence of 27 years to life for three counts of second-degree murder and one count of second-degree assault.
The crimes began on April 30, 2023, when Bundrick encountered Mario Paullan, 42, and his friend. She offered to sell them soap before proposing a paid sexual encounter, taking them to a residence she had unlawfully entered, according to prosecutors.
Paullan’s friend discovered his death the following day, along with the theft of their belongings.
Several months later, Bundrick met Miguel Navez, 39, and similarly dosed him with fentanyl at his apartment. Navez’s brother found him dead three days later, with his possessions missing.
The third victim, Abrihan Fernandez, 34, died on February 25, 2024. Surveillance footage captured Bundrick entering and exiting his Upper Manhattan apartment multiple times, carrying large bags.
Bundrick is set to receive her sentence on October 6.