Deaths Of Lucia And Leo Krim
Child Murder Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
New York City, New York
TIME PERIOD
October 25, 2012
VICTIMS
2 confirmed
On October 25, 2012, Lucia (6) and Leo Krim (2) were murdered by their nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, in their family's apartment at 57 West 75th Street, Manhattan, while their mother, Marina Krim, and their three-year-old sister, Nessie, were at a nearby swimming lesson. Upon returning home, Marina discovered the children dead in a bathtub and Ortega, who had inflicted self-harm, survived the attack. Ortega was arrested and later convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, receiving a sentence of two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole on May 14, 2018. The motive for the murders remains unclear, though it has been suggested that it may have been related to revenge against the children's mother.
Yoselyn Ortega's motive for the murders is believed to be revenge against the children's mother, Marina Krim, possibly stemming from perceived grievances. Some speculate that Ortega may have been suffering from mental health issues, which could have influenced her actions during the attack. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that the family's decision to employ a nanny may have contributed to vulnerabilities that led to the tragic event.
The Tragic Tale of the Krim Siblings
A Shocking Crime in Manhattan
On the afternoon of October 25, 2012, the usually bustling Upper West Side of Manhattan was shaken by a tragedy that would haunt the city. In the La Rochelle apartment building, nestled at 57 West 75th Street, Lucia Krim, aged six, and her two-year-old brother, Leo, were found brutally murdered. Their part-time nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, who had been a trusted presence in the Krim household, was the perpetrator of this horrific crime. As the children's mother, Marina Krim, returned home with her three-year-old daughter, Nessie, from a nearby swimming lesson, she stumbled upon the gruesome scene that would forever alter her family's life.
The Discovery
Marina Krim, a devoted mother and former kindergarten teacher, arrived at her apartment in the late afternoon to an unsettling silence. The plan had been for Ortega to meet them at Lulu's ballet lesson earlier that day, but she had failed to show. A sense of unease crept in as Marina entered the dimly lit apartment. After consulting with the doorman, who confirmed seeing Ortega and the children return earlier, Marina and little Nessie made their way back to the apartment.
In the bathroom, a scene of unimaginable horror awaited them. Lucia and Leo lay motionless in a blood-filled bathtub, each with multiple stab wounds. Their caretaker, Yoselyn Ortega, was nearby, attempting to take her own life with a kitchen knife. The apartment superintendent and his young son witnessed the aftermath, as the children’s bodies were carried out on a single stretcher.
The Perpetrator's Profile
Yoselyn Ortega, a 50-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic, had been with the Krim family for two years. Living in Hamilton Heights with her son, sister, and niece, Ortega was initially seen as part of the family. The Krims had even funded her trips back to her home country, showcasing the depth of their trust and generosity.
However, in interviews with the NYPD, Ortega painted a different picture—one of resentment over financial issues. Paid $18 an hour, she claimed Marina Krim's suggestion of housework to earn more hours had upset her. Yet, those close to both Ortega and the Krims insisted that the family had treated her well, even accompanying her on a vacation to the Dominican Republic.
Despite her self-inflicted injuries, Ortega survived and was deemed mentally competent to stand trial, as per evaluations by New York State psychiatrists.
The Trial
The legal proceedings began with Ortega's indictment on two counts of first-degree murder in November 2012. Over the next five years, she appeared in court around 90 times. A plea offer, suggesting 30-years-to-life in exchange for a guilty plea, was rejected by Ortega, who maintained her innocence through a psychiatric defense.
On February 22, 2018, jury selection commenced, leading to a trial that was expected to span four months but concluded in less than two. The defense argued mental illness, while the prosecution maintained Ortega's sound mind. Ultimately, on April 18, 2018, she was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to life without parole on May 14, 2018. Judge Gregory Carro condemned Ortega, attributing part of the blame to her and her family for not addressing her mental health issues.
A Legacy of Healing
The Krim family, in their grief, chose to create a legacy of healing and hope through the Lulu & Leo Fund. This non-profit organization offers creative programs for disadvantaged children, advocating for "Choose Creativity." The Krims share memories and art of their children on the fund's public Facebook page, reaching 2,300 children by 2014. Since the tragedy, Marina and Kevin Krim have welcomed two more sons, Felix and Linus, into their lives.
In June 2018, New York State passed Lulu & Leo's Law, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in August. This legislation criminalizes the misrepresentation of qualifications by child caregivers, a response to the Krims' harrowing experience.
Cultural Impact
The chilling story of the Krim siblings inspired French-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani's novel, initially titled "Chanson Douce," later released as "Lullaby" in the UK and "The Perfect Nanny" in the US. The book gained acclaim in France, winning the Prix Goncourt in 2016, although it did not resonate as widely in the United States.
Through unimaginable loss, the Krims have transformed their grief into a powerful force for change, ensuring their children's memory endures through creative education and legislative reform.
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Murder of Krim Siblings
Lucia and Leo Krim are murdered by their nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, in their Manhattan apartment.
Discovery of Bodies
Marina Krim returns home to find her children dead in the bathtub, and Ortega attempts suicide.
Ortega Indicted
Yoselyn Ortega is indicted on two counts of first-degree murder.
Trial Begins
Jury selection begins for Yoselyn Ortega's trial in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Verdict Delivered
Yoselyn Ortega is found guilty of first-degree and second-degree murder.
Sentencing
Ortega is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Lulu & Leo's Law Passed
New York State passes Lulu & Leo's Law to protect children from caregiver misrepresentation.
Law Signed
Governor Cuomo signs Lulu & Leo's Law into effect.
On October 25, 2012, Lucia (6) and Leo Krim (2) were murdered by their nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, in their family's apartment at 57 West 75th Street, Manhattan, while their mother, Marina Krim, and their three-year-old sister, Nessie, were at a nearby swimming lesson. Upon returning home, Marina discovered the children dead in a bathtub and Ortega, who had inflicted self-harm, survived the attack. Ortega was arrested and later convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, receiving a sentence of two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole on May 14, 2018. The motive for the murders remains unclear, though it has been suggested that it may have been related to revenge against the children's mother.
Yoselyn Ortega's motive for the murders is believed to be revenge against the children's mother, Marina Krim, possibly stemming from perceived grievances. Some speculate that Ortega may have been suffering from mental health issues, which could have influenced her actions during the attack. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that the family's decision to employ a nanny may have contributed to vulnerabilities that led to the tragic event.
The Tragic Tale of the Krim Siblings
A Shocking Crime in Manhattan
On the afternoon of October 25, 2012, the usually bustling Upper West Side of Manhattan was shaken by a tragedy that would haunt the city. In the La Rochelle apartment building, nestled at 57 West 75th Street, Lucia Krim, aged six, and her two-year-old brother, Leo, were found brutally murdered. Their part-time nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, who had been a trusted presence in the Krim household, was the perpetrator of this horrific crime. As the children's mother, Marina Krim, returned home with her three-year-old daughter, Nessie, from a nearby swimming lesson, she stumbled upon the gruesome scene that would forever alter her family's life.
The Discovery
Marina Krim, a devoted mother and former kindergarten teacher, arrived at her apartment in the late afternoon to an unsettling silence. The plan had been for Ortega to meet them at Lulu's ballet lesson earlier that day, but she had failed to show. A sense of unease crept in as Marina entered the dimly lit apartment. After consulting with the doorman, who confirmed seeing Ortega and the children return earlier, Marina and little Nessie made their way back to the apartment.
In the bathroom, a scene of unimaginable horror awaited them. Lucia and Leo lay motionless in a blood-filled bathtub, each with multiple stab wounds. Their caretaker, Yoselyn Ortega, was nearby, attempting to take her own life with a kitchen knife. The apartment superintendent and his young son witnessed the aftermath, as the children’s bodies were carried out on a single stretcher.
The Perpetrator's Profile
Yoselyn Ortega, a 50-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic, had been with the Krim family for two years. Living in Hamilton Heights with her son, sister, and niece, Ortega was initially seen as part of the family. The Krims had even funded her trips back to her home country, showcasing the depth of their trust and generosity.
However, in interviews with the NYPD, Ortega painted a different picture—one of resentment over financial issues. Paid $18 an hour, she claimed Marina Krim's suggestion of housework to earn more hours had upset her. Yet, those close to both Ortega and the Krims insisted that the family had treated her well, even accompanying her on a vacation to the Dominican Republic.
Despite her self-inflicted injuries, Ortega survived and was deemed mentally competent to stand trial, as per evaluations by New York State psychiatrists.
The Trial
The legal proceedings began with Ortega's indictment on two counts of first-degree murder in November 2012. Over the next five years, she appeared in court around 90 times. A plea offer, suggesting 30-years-to-life in exchange for a guilty plea, was rejected by Ortega, who maintained her innocence through a psychiatric defense.
On February 22, 2018, jury selection commenced, leading to a trial that was expected to span four months but concluded in less than two. The defense argued mental illness, while the prosecution maintained Ortega's sound mind. Ultimately, on April 18, 2018, she was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to life without parole on May 14, 2018. Judge Gregory Carro condemned Ortega, attributing part of the blame to her and her family for not addressing her mental health issues.
A Legacy of Healing
The Krim family, in their grief, chose to create a legacy of healing and hope through the Lulu & Leo Fund. This non-profit organization offers creative programs for disadvantaged children, advocating for "Choose Creativity." The Krims share memories and art of their children on the fund's public Facebook page, reaching 2,300 children by 2014. Since the tragedy, Marina and Kevin Krim have welcomed two more sons, Felix and Linus, into their lives.
In June 2018, New York State passed Lulu & Leo's Law, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in August. This legislation criminalizes the misrepresentation of qualifications by child caregivers, a response to the Krims' harrowing experience.
Cultural Impact
The chilling story of the Krim siblings inspired French-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani's novel, initially titled "Chanson Douce," later released as "Lullaby" in the UK and "The Perfect Nanny" in the US. The book gained acclaim in France, winning the Prix Goncourt in 2016, although it did not resonate as widely in the United States.
Through unimaginable loss, the Krims have transformed their grief into a powerful force for change, ensuring their children's memory endures through creative education and legislative reform.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Murder of Krim Siblings
Lucia and Leo Krim are murdered by their nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, in their Manhattan apartment.
Discovery of Bodies
Marina Krim returns home to find her children dead in the bathtub, and Ortega attempts suicide.
Ortega Indicted
Yoselyn Ortega is indicted on two counts of first-degree murder.
Trial Begins
Jury selection begins for Yoselyn Ortega's trial in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Verdict Delivered
Yoselyn Ortega is found guilty of first-degree and second-degree murder.
Sentencing
Ortega is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Lulu & Leo's Law Passed
New York State passes Lulu & Leo's Law to protect children from caregiver misrepresentation.
Law Signed
Governor Cuomo signs Lulu & Leo's Law into effect.