Neighbor received letters from man charged in death of 84-year-old woman

On April 29, EMS responded to a call concerning a woman falling down the stairs in the 2300 block of Bertie Drive. Renee Costa was transported to Wake Med for treatment of her injuries and died at the hospital on May 1

According to investigators, initial reports that Renee Costa had fallen down stairs Saturday in her home were false.

A neighbor told WRAL News that Costa was Bastas' grandmother, though that has not been confirmed by police.

The neighbor said she received letters written by Bastas in the days before and after his grandmother's death.

The first letter reads "Hi, it's me, Andreas. Please come over for dinner tonight, if you can. I will have my daughter and I can show you how mean and evil Ya Ya is. P.S. stop stealing our mail or just steal the bills and pay mine."

The letter ends with a drawing of a smiley face followed by the phrase "God is all."

The neighbor received a second letter after Costa's death. It said "I am so sad to have and inform you on Ya Ya's passing away. On Saturday, she had a heart attack and fell down the stairs. She pass this morning at 12:44 a.m. P.S. I feel extra guilt in my heart for speaking bad of her. Please pray for her/us.and me. With love, Andreas."

Bastas walked into court Wednesday afternoon with his head down and didn't say anything. His next court date is May 24.

Bastas has had previous run ins with police including stalking, communicating threats and harassment.