‘Something was put around her neck’: Cops nab suspect in model’s gruesome murder

Authorities in Pennsylvania have arrested a suspect following the murder of a model at her home last week.

According to WPVI, 30-year-old Johnstown resident Jonathan Wesley Harris was arrested on suspicion of charges including first-, second- and third-degree murder, robbery and theft.

Christina Kraft, whose work as a model has appeared in a variety of publications and advertisements, was found dead on August 22 in the Philadelphia area.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, investigators released footage of the suspect earlier in the day.

Police confirmed Harris is the man seen on that footage, explaining he was arrested by U.S. marshals as he exited a bus in Pittsburgh. He had been released from state prison just over a month before Kraft’s death.

According to a news update by authorities, an anonymous tip came in after the video was released. Prosecutors added additional details about the extent of the injuries sustained by the victim.

On the morning of her death, Kraft reportedly left her home through a ride-sharing service and met Harris at a separate location. The two are seen in surveillance footage leaving in another car together.

“Christina was beaten, and the beating was substantial,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. “Her nose was broken, she had black eyes, there was a lot of blood. Then she died of strangulation. Something was put around her neck.”

He noted that it is unclear what the motive for the attack might have been.

“Whether it was a chance meeting or something else, I can’t say,” Steele said.

Investigators believe Kraft was killed in her home before records show her rear door was last opened at 5:19 a.m.

The victim was also burglarized just days before her murder, according to investigators, who have identified 31-year-old Andre Melton as a suspect in that crime. There was no indication as of the latest updates whether the two crimes were connected.