by New York, NY – A 38-year-old woman in New York has been arrested and charged after fatally drugging three men with fentanyl-laced cocaine in a series of calculated robberies. The woman, Tabitha Bundrick, allegedly targeted men “looking for a good time,” incapacitating them before stealing their belongings.
Bundrick faces serious charges stemming from incidents that occurred between April 2023 and February 2024. Authorities report that her actions directly led to the deaths of three victims and left a fourth injured.
A Calculated and Deadly Crime Spree
According to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., Bundrick’s crimes were deliberate and malicious. Prosecutors say she offered fentanyl-laced drugs under false pretenses, knocking victims unconscious to rob them. Bundrick was charged with:
- Three counts of second-degree murder
- Four counts of first-degree robbery
- Two counts of second-degree burglary
- One count of second-degree assault
“This callous behavior allegedly led to the deaths of three people,” said DA Bragg. “Each incident was calculated: Tabitha Bundrick knowingly provided fentanyl-laced drugs to incapacitate her victims so she could steal their personal belongings.”
The criminal acts unfolded in Upper Manhattan, where Bundrick allegedly lured men by offering sex in exchange for money and drugs. In one of the early fatal cases on April 30, 2023, Bundrick approached two men under the guise of selling soap, later bringing them to an empty apartment she had broken into. Both were given fentanyl-laced cocaine, leading to the death of 42-year-old Mario Paullan.
Details of the Fatal Incidents
The incidents that cost the lives of three men followed a similar and chilling pattern:
- Bundrick would offer drugs claimed to be cocaine, mixed with lethal fentanyl, to incapacitate her victims.
- She then robbed them of valuables such as money, phones, watches, clothes, and sneakers.
- Surveillance confirmed repeated entries and exits from victims’ residences, where Bundrick took multiple belongings.
- In one instance, Bundrick rigged a building’s door to facilitate her movements.
- Victims’ credit cards were used fraudulently after their deaths.
One victim, 39-year-old Miguel Navez, was found dead in his Washington Heights apartment months later, missing numerous belongings. The final known fatal incident occurred on February 25, 2024, involving Abrihan Fernandez in Upper Manhattan.
Law Enforcement Response and Legal Proceedings
Bundrick was arrested and is currently being held without bond on Rikers Island. Notably, she had previously pleaded guilty to drug distribution charges in federal court last year, receiving a 13-year prison sentence that will run concurrently with potential state sentences, including the possibility of life imprisonment.
When executing a search warrant on Bundrick’s home on March 5, authorities recovered four pairs of sneakers belonging to the victims, further tying her to the crimes.
“I want to be very clear to those who think they can get away with drugging and robbing unsuspecting victims: working with our law enforcement partners, we will uncover and prosecute this conduct,” stated Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.
Defense Statement and Public Reaction
Bundrick’s defense attorneys acknowledged the dire consequences of the incidents but emphasized she had no intent to kill.
“Ms. Bundrick undoubtedly made a poor decision when she shared her drugs with men who were just ‘looking for a good time,’ but she never intended to kill anyone,” her attorneys told.
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Understanding the Dangers of Fentanyl-Laced Drugs
The tragic deaths highlight the rising dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid far more potent than heroin or cocaine. Its presence in recreational drugs has led to numerous fatal overdoses nationwide.
- Fentanyl can cause rapid respiratory failure, often without the user’s knowledge of its presence in substances.
- Mixing fentanyl with cocaine is particularly deadly as users often underestimate the opioid content.
- Authorities urge vigilance and awareness regarding drug use and potential contamination.
For more details on the investigation, visit the full report on Law & Crime.
What This Means for New York and Beyond
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers tied to illicit drug use and the lengths some will go to exploit it. It also demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable in complex drug-related crimes.
Key Takeaways:
- Fentanyl-laced drugs pose a lethal risk and have been involved in a spike of overdose deaths.
- Victim targeting by criminals using such drugs is an alarming trend that requires public awareness.
- Authorities are vigorously investigating and prosecuting these crimes to ensure justice and safety.
What do you think about this disturbing case involving fentanyl-laced drug robberies? Have you or someone you know been affected by drug-related crimes in your community? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
