Martha Nolan-Oslatarra, a 42-year-old fashion designer from Manhattan's Upper East Side, was found dead aboard a yacht docked in Montauk Harbor on Sunday morning, according to the Suffolk County Police Department. In the days leading up to her death, she had been receiving a barrage of text messages from the vessel's owner, who accused her of stealing from him and demanded thousands of dollars, sources familiar with the investigation confirmed.
Background
Nolan-Oslatarra had been working as an independent designer in New York City's competitive fashion industry for more than a decade. She had recently begun a professional relationship with the yacht owner, identified in court documents as Michael Castellano, 57, of Bridgehampton. According to acquaintances familiar with their arrangement, Nolan-Oslatarra had done custom design work for Castellano and his family over the past several months.
Friends described her as talented and well-respected within the tight-knit NYC fashion community. 'Martha was meticulous about her craft,' said one colleague who asked not to be identified. 'She would never compromise her integrity over money.' The friendship and professional relationship between Nolan-Oslatarra and Castellano appeared to have deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, according to text message records reviewed by investigators.
The Investigation
Suffolk County homicide detectives responded to Montauk Harbor Sunday after a 911 call reporting an unresponsive woman aboard the 65-foot yacht 'Serenity Now.' Emergency medical technicians pronounced Nolan-Oslatarra dead at the scene. An autopsy conducted Monday determined the cause of death as drowning, though the manner remains under investigation pending further forensic analysis.
Investigators obtained search warrants for Castellano's phone and email accounts, revealing a pattern of increasingly threatening communications directed at Nolan-Oslatarra beginning approximately five days before her body was discovered. In one message reviewed by sources, Castellano allegedly wrote: 'You took everything from me. I will make sure you pay back every cent or there will be consequences.' Another text reportedly stated: 'No one steals from me and gets away with it. You have until Friday.'
Castellano has not been charged in connection with Nolan-Oslatarra's death. He was interviewed by detectives for several hours Monday before being released. His attorney, Thomas Brennan, issued a statement maintaining his client's innocence. 'Michael Castellano is cooperating fully with investigators and denies any involvement in this tragedy. The text messages have been taken out of context and do not reflect the nature of their relationship or the circumstances surrounding Ms. Nolan-Oslatarra's untimely passing.'
The Suffolk County Police Department's Homicide Squad is actively investigating. Detectives are reviewing security footage from Montauk Harbor, interviewing witnesses who may have seen interactions between Nolan-Oslatarra and Castellano in recent days, and consulting with forensic specialists to determine whether any foul play was involved.
Key Takeaways
- Martha Nolan-Oslatarra, 42, was found dead aboard a Montauk yacht owned by Michael Castellano, 57
- Text messages recovered from Castellano's phone allegedly show harassment and accusations of theft days before the discovery
- An autopsy ruled death as drowning; manner of death remains undetermined pending further testing
- Castellano has not been charged but remains a person of interest in the ongoing investigation
- Detectives are reviewing harbor surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses
What's Next
The Suffolk County Medical Examiner's office expects to release toxicology results within two weeks, which could provide additional clarity on the circumstances surrounding Nolan-Oslatarra's death. Homicide detectives have indicated they will continue to pursue all leads and interview any potential witnesses who may have information about the relationship between Nolan-Oslatarra and Castellano.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Suffolk County Police Department's Homicide Squad at 631-852-HOME or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. Anonymous tips may be submitted online through the SCPD's website.