Two Fatally Shot in East Harlem Apartment

Police found Severino-Tatis and Espina-Espinal dead inside his apartment at 2029 Second Avenue, near East 104th Street, after officers responded at about 8:30 p.m. on November 5. Both had been shot in the head. Investigators said extension cords were found on the victims; Severino-Tatis’s hands were bound, while Espina-Espinal had a cord around one wrist but was not fully restrained.

Espina-Espinal regularly cared for Severino-Tatis and had other clients in the building. When she did not arrive for her evening shift, her employer contacted her son. He sought help from a neighbor who also cared for Severino-Tatis, and the neighbor entered the apartment after finding its door unlocked and discovered the bodies.

Detectives are examining whether the killings stemmed from an attempted robbery targeting Severino-Tatis. Investigators are also considering whether Espina-Espinal came upon the crime and was killed as a result. The circumstances remain under investigation, and no arrests had been made as of November 9.

The NYPD has released photographs of the victims and is asking anyone who saw them before their deaths or has information about the killings to contact Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted by phone, through the Crime Stoppers website or via X at @NYPDTips; calls and messages are confidential.