DA Upgrades Charges Against Diana Nadell for Mother-in-Law's Murder

Diana Nadell entered a not-guilty plea when she was arraigned this morning on first-degree murder in the slaying of Peggy Nadell. 

Almost 30 family and friends of the victim were in Clarkstown Justice Court for the arraignment, most wearing "justice for Peggy" pins, reported WABC TV. 

According to media reports, Diana Nadell and Andrea Benson made a cellphone call to get Peggy Nadell to open her door at 1:17 a.m. Jan. 25 and then stabbed her. Diana Nadell, the wife of Peggy Nadell's son James, wanted to get her hands on the money her family expected to inherit, according to media reports about court documents. 

The other three charged with conspiring to kill Peggy Nadell have already been arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court. 

Benson was arraigned June 2 on second-degree murder and conspiracy charges. 

Diana Nadell was originally charged with second-degree murder and second-degree conspiracy, just like Benson. However, the murder charge was upgraded before her arraignment appearance, WABC reported. 

Eltia Grant was arraigned May 28; and Tanisha Joyner was arraigned May 27. They were charged with second-degree conspiracy to commit murder. Bail was set for Grant and Joyner at $500,000.

Police announced the arrest and pending extradition of the four women after a 5-month investigation into the Valley Cottage murder.