Mother-in-Law Slaying Indictments: 2 Murder Counts Against Nadell and Benson

Indictments have been handed up against Diana Nadell and Andrea Benson, two of the four co-conspirators alleged to have participated in a plot to kill Nadell's mother-in-law, Peggy Nadell. 

The other two—Eltia Grant and Tanisha Joyner—were initially charged with conspiracy to commit murder. They have already pleaded guilty to a lesser charge: Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, a class “D” Felony.

Nadell pleaded not guilty when she was arraigned June 4 on a first-degree murder charge.

According to the DA, Nadell drove from Florida to Washington, DC Jan. 24, and offered Benson money to help her kill her mother-in-law. 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. 

Nadell arranged a false alibi with Joyner and Grant, the DA said.

Diana Nadell and Benson are alleged to have made a cell phone call to get Peggy Nadell to open her door at 1:17 a.m. Jan. 25. Then, according to the DA, they stabbed, strangled and beat the 80-year-old to death.

Here is the full text of the DA's statement:

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that an indictment has been handed up against Diana Nadell (DOB 12/05/63) of 8240 SW 185th Terrace, Cutler Bay, Florida in connection with the murder of her mother-in-law, Peggy Nadell.
 
The indictment charges Nadell with: 
• One count of Murder in the First Degree, a class “A-1” Felony 
• One count of Murder in the Second Degree, a class “A-1” Felony 

Additionally, an indictment was handed up today against Andrea Benson (DOB 09/08/88) of 4625 Central Avenue, Apt. 1, NE Washington, DC. 

The indictment charges Benson with: 
• One count of Murder in the First Degree, a class “A-1” Felony 
• One count of Murder in the Second Degree, a class “A-1” Felony 

in connection with the murder of Peggy Nadell.

District Attorney Zugibe said, “The premeditated and heinous nature of the crimes for which the defendants are charged shocked an entire community. They are accused of conspiring in a sinister plot to murder the victim during a violent attack - in her own home - for personal greed. This case will be vigorously prosecuted to ensure that justice is served for the victim and her family.” 

On January 25, 2014, at approximately 10 a.m., Peggy Nadell was found murdered in her home at 644 Andover Road, Valley Cottage, New York.

An extensive investigation by the Clarkstown Police Department and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office revealed that on January 24, 2014, Diana Nadell travelled to Washington, D.C.. 

Once there, Nadell allegedly offered Benson money to drive with her to New York to assist in the killing of her mother-in-law, Peggy Nadell. 

Upon arriving at 644 Andover Road after 1 a.m. on January 25, Diana Nadell and Andrea Benson murdered Peggy Nadell. Peggy Nadell suffered strangulation, multiple blunt force trauma wounds to her head and face as well as multiple stab wounds to her torso, ultimately causing her death.

It is alleged that Tanisha Joyner (DOB 05/02/88) of 1538 Butler Street SE 303, Washington, DC. and Eltia Grant (DOB 10/08/89) of 1050 Gladys Avenue, Apt. 7, Long Beach, California rendered criminal aid to Diana Nadell. It is further alleged that Joyner provided Clarkstown Police a false alibi, later telling detectives Diana Nadell was with her in Washington, D.C. during the evening hours of January 24, 2014 through the early morning hours of January 25, 2014. 

Grant allegedly acted as a go-between for Diana Nadell and Benson in aiding in the logistics and specifics of the false alibi. 

On May 30, 2014, Joyner pleaded guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, a class “D” Felony. Her sentence is pending.

On June 17, 2014, Grant pleaded guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the Second Degree, a class “E” Felony. Her sentence is pending. 

Benson's arraignment on the indictment is scheduled for June 19, 2014. 

Nadell's arraignment on the indictment is scheduled for June 25, 2014. 
 
Both women are currently held at the Rockland County Jail. 

Benson and Nadell each face a maximum sentence of life in state prison without parole on the top count of the indictments. 
 
This case is being prosecuted by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Richard Kennison Moran and Assistant District Attorney Patrick Fischer.