LOCATION
New York City, New York
TIME PERIOD
October 25, 2012
VICTIMS
2 confirmed
On October 25, 2012, Lucia and Leo Krim, aged 6 and 2, were murdered by their nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, at their family's apartment located at 57 West 75th Street, Manhattan, New York City. The incident occurred while their mother, Marina Krim, and their three-year-old sister, Nessie, were at a nearby swimming lesson. Upon returning home, Marina discovered Lucia and Leo deceased in a bathtub, and Ortega had inflicted multiple stab wounds on herself in an apparent attempt at suicide. Ortega was arrested and later convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole on May 14, 2018. Significant evidence included the murder weapon, kitchen knives, and Ortega's actions immediately following the murders, which indicated a premeditated attack.
Yoselyn Ortega's motive for the murders is speculated to be revenge against the children's mother, Marina Krim, though the exact reasons remain unclear. Some believe that Ortega may have been suffering from mental health issues, which could have contributed to her actions. Additionally, there is speculation about the adequacy of background checks and oversight for caregivers in similar situations, raising concerns about child safety in home environments.
The Tragic Tale of the Krim Siblings
The Fateful Day
The late afternoon of October 25, 2012, was meant to be like any other for the Krim family. Lucia Krim, affectionately known as "Lulu," aged six, and her little brother Leo, just two years old, were in the care of their part-time nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, at their home in the La Rochelle apartment building on Manhattan's Upper West Side. That day, Marina Krim, the children's mother, had taken their three-year-old sister, Nessie, to a nearby YMCA for a swimming lesson.
Upon returning to their apartment at around 5:35 pm, Marina was met with an unsettling silence. The residence, located at 57 West 75th Street and Columbus Avenue, was eerily dark and quiet. Marina had been expecting to meet Ortega and Lulu at a ballet lesson earlier, but Ortega had not shown up. Concerned, she consulted the building's doorman, who confirmed that Ortega and the children had returned to the apartment not long before.
When Marina and Nessie re-entered the apartment, they stumbled upon a horrifying scene in the bathroom. There, in a bathtub filled with blood, lay the lifeless bodies of Lulu and Leo. Both children were fully clothed, and each bore multiple stab wounds. The family's trusted caregiver, Yoselyn Ortega, was on the floor nearby, having inflicted deep wounds upon herself in a frenzied attempt to end her own life.
Unraveling the Horror
As the reality of the situation set in, the building's superintendent and his 10-year-old son arrived, witnessing the unthinkable. The bodies of the Krim children were removed on a single stretcher, a poignant image that captured the depth of the tragedy. Meanwhile, Kevin Krim, the children's father, was just learning of the devastation from police officers at John F. Kennedy Airport as he returned from a business trip in San Francisco.
Ortega, despite her self-inflicted wounds, survived and later confessed to investigators that she had attacked Lulu and Leo. She revealed that Lulu had fought back, evidenced by defensive wounds, while Leo had been asleep when the attack began.
A Complex Perpetrator
Yoselyn Ortega, 50 years old at the time, was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic. She resided in Manhattan's Hamilton Heights neighborhood with her son, Jesus, who was 17, along with her sister and niece. Despite being paid $18 an hour, Ortega harbored financial troubles. She had expressed discontent about needing more work hours, which Marina Krim suggested could be supplemented with housework—an offer that Ortega found unsatisfactory.
Ortega's relationship with the Krim family was seemingly close. The Krims had even paid for her flights to visit family in the Dominican Republic and had once vacationed with her there. Despite this, tensions regarding finances persisted, and friends and family reported that Ortega felt she was not adequately compensated.
The Trial and Verdict
Following the murders, Ortega was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in November 2012. Her legal journey was long and arduous, with nearly 90 court appearances over five years. A plea deal of 30 years to life was offered by Judge Gregory Carro in April 2016, which Ortega rejected, maintaining her plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.
The trial commenced on February 22, 2018, under the watchful eyes of 12 jurors in Manhattan Supreme Court. Ortega's defense hinged on claims of mental illness, while prosecutors contended she was fully aware of her actions. On April 18, 2018, the jury found Ortega guilty of both first-degree and second-degree murder. The sentence, delivered on May 14, 2018, was life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Judge Carro did not mince words, labeling Ortega as "pure evil" and criticizing her family for failing to address her mental health issues.
A Legacy of Healing
In the wake of unimaginable loss, the Krim family channeled their grief into positive action. They established the Lulu & Leo Fund, a non-profit organization aimed at fostering creative education for disadvantaged children. Their efforts, under the initiative "Choose Creativity," have reached thousands, with the fund serving 2,300 children by 2014. The family continued to grow, welcoming two more children, Felix and Linus, who became part of the fund's story.
In a bid to prevent similar tragedies, the Krims also advocated for legislative change. Their efforts culminated in the passage of Lulu & Leo's Law in June 2018, signed by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo in August of the same year. The law criminalizes the act of knowingly misrepresenting one's qualifications for child caregiving roles.
The Cultural Impact
The chilling story of the Krim siblings resonated far beyond the borders of New York City. French-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani drew inspiration from the tragedy for her novel "Chanson Douce," known as "Lullaby" in the UK and "The Perfect Nanny" in the US. The novel, which explores themes of trust and betrayal, garnered critical acclaim in France, earning the prestigious Prix Goncourt in 2016.
Conclusion
The murder of Lucia and Leo Krim remains a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the depths of human despair. Yet, through their pain, the Krim family has forged a legacy of creativity and compassion, ensuring that their children's memory lives on in the hearts and minds of others.
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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 attempting 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.
Guilty Verdict
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 and Leo Krim, aged 6 and 2, were murdered by their nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, at their family's apartment located at 57 West 75th Street, Manhattan, New York City. The incident occurred while their mother, Marina Krim, and their three-year-old sister, Nessie, were at a nearby swimming lesson. Upon returning home, Marina discovered Lucia and Leo deceased in a bathtub, and Ortega had inflicted multiple stab wounds on herself in an apparent attempt at suicide. Ortega was arrested and later convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole on May 14, 2018. Significant evidence included the murder weapon, kitchen knives, and Ortega's actions immediately following the murders, which indicated a premeditated attack.
Yoselyn Ortega's motive for the murders is speculated to be revenge against the children's mother, Marina Krim, though the exact reasons remain unclear. Some believe that Ortega may have been suffering from mental health issues, which could have contributed to her actions. Additionally, there is speculation about the adequacy of background checks and oversight for caregivers in similar situations, raising concerns about child safety in home environments.
The Tragic Tale of the Krim Siblings
The Fateful Day
The late afternoon of October 25, 2012, was meant to be like any other for the Krim family. Lucia Krim, affectionately known as "Lulu," aged six, and her little brother Leo, just two years old, were in the care of their part-time nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, at their home in the La Rochelle apartment building on Manhattan's Upper West Side. That day, Marina Krim, the children's mother, had taken their three-year-old sister, Nessie, to a nearby YMCA for a swimming lesson.
Upon returning to their apartment at around 5:35 pm, Marina was met with an unsettling silence. The residence, located at 57 West 75th Street and Columbus Avenue, was eerily dark and quiet. Marina had been expecting to meet Ortega and Lulu at a ballet lesson earlier, but Ortega had not shown up. Concerned, she consulted the building's doorman, who confirmed that Ortega and the children had returned to the apartment not long before.
When Marina and Nessie re-entered the apartment, they stumbled upon a horrifying scene in the bathroom. There, in a bathtub filled with blood, lay the lifeless bodies of Lulu and Leo. Both children were fully clothed, and each bore multiple stab wounds. The family's trusted caregiver, Yoselyn Ortega, was on the floor nearby, having inflicted deep wounds upon herself in a frenzied attempt to end her own life.
Unraveling the Horror
As the reality of the situation set in, the building's superintendent and his 10-year-old son arrived, witnessing the unthinkable. The bodies of the Krim children were removed on a single stretcher, a poignant image that captured the depth of the tragedy. Meanwhile, Kevin Krim, the children's father, was just learning of the devastation from police officers at John F. Kennedy Airport as he returned from a business trip in San Francisco.
Ortega, despite her self-inflicted wounds, survived and later confessed to investigators that she had attacked Lulu and Leo. She revealed that Lulu had fought back, evidenced by defensive wounds, while Leo had been asleep when the attack began.
A Complex Perpetrator
Yoselyn Ortega, 50 years old at the time, was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic. She resided in Manhattan's Hamilton Heights neighborhood with her son, Jesus, who was 17, along with her sister and niece. Despite being paid $18 an hour, Ortega harbored financial troubles. She had expressed discontent about needing more work hours, which Marina Krim suggested could be supplemented with housework—an offer that Ortega found unsatisfactory.
Ortega's relationship with the Krim family was seemingly close. The Krims had even paid for her flights to visit family in the Dominican Republic and had once vacationed with her there. Despite this, tensions regarding finances persisted, and friends and family reported that Ortega felt she was not adequately compensated.
The Trial and Verdict
Following the murders, Ortega was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in November 2012. Her legal journey was long and arduous, with nearly 90 court appearances over five years. A plea deal of 30 years to life was offered by Judge Gregory Carro in April 2016, which Ortega rejected, maintaining her plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.
The trial commenced on February 22, 2018, under the watchful eyes of 12 jurors in Manhattan Supreme Court. Ortega's defense hinged on claims of mental illness, while prosecutors contended she was fully aware of her actions. On April 18, 2018, the jury found Ortega guilty of both first-degree and second-degree murder. The sentence, delivered on May 14, 2018, was life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Judge Carro did not mince words, labeling Ortega as "pure evil" and criticizing her family for failing to address her mental health issues.
A Legacy of Healing
In the wake of unimaginable loss, the Krim family channeled their grief into positive action. They established the Lulu & Leo Fund, a non-profit organization aimed at fostering creative education for disadvantaged children. Their efforts, under the initiative "Choose Creativity," have reached thousands, with the fund serving 2,300 children by 2014. The family continued to grow, welcoming two more children, Felix and Linus, who became part of the fund's story.
In a bid to prevent similar tragedies, the Krims also advocated for legislative change. Their efforts culminated in the passage of Lulu & Leo's Law in June 2018, signed by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo in August of the same year. The law criminalizes the act of knowingly misrepresenting one's qualifications for child caregiving roles.
The Cultural Impact
The chilling story of the Krim siblings resonated far beyond the borders of New York City. French-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani drew inspiration from the tragedy for her novel "Chanson Douce," known as "Lullaby" in the UK and "The Perfect Nanny" in the US. The novel, which explores themes of trust and betrayal, garnered critical acclaim in France, earning the prestigious Prix Goncourt in 2016.
Conclusion
The murder of Lucia and Leo Krim remains a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the depths of human despair. Yet, through their pain, the Krim family has forged a legacy of creativity and compassion, ensuring that their children's memory lives on in the hearts and minds of others.
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 attempting 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.
Guilty Verdict
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.