Christina Carlin-Kraft, a former Playboy model, tragically met her demise in 2018 when she was discovered strangled to death in her apartment located in a Philadelphia suburb. At the time of her untimely passing, she was 36 years old. The news of her murder reverberated throughout the modeling industry and the wider public, deeply impacting those who admired her for her beauty and magnetic personality. Below are some details regarding Christina Carlin-Kraft’s life, career, and the circumstances surrounding her death.
Early Life and Career
Born on November 11, 1983, in New Jersey, Christina Carlin-Kraft grew up surrounded by affectionate family support. From a young age, she harbored a fervent passion for modeling. After graduating from Cherry Hill High School East in 2001, she ventured to New York City to pursue her modeling aspirations.
In the bustling metropolis, Christina carved out a successful career, collaborating with esteemed brands and gracing the pages of renowned publications like Vanity Fair, Maxim, Victoria’s Secret, and Playboy. Her talents extended beyond print media, as she also landed roles in various commercials and television series, including notable appearances on The Bold and the Beautiful and How I Met Your Mother. Christina was celebrated not only for her captivating beauty but also for her charismatic persona and unwavering professionalism.
Personal Life and Relationships
Christina Carlin-Kraft’s love story extended to her long-time partner, Alexander Ciccotelli, a Wall Street banker, with whom she shared a nine-year relationship. Together, they invested in an apartment in Ardmore, an upscale neighborhood in Philadelphia, where Christina relocated in 2018. Plans for their impending nuptials were underway.
Beyond her romantic relationship, Christina cherished close bonds with her family and friends, who affectionately described her as affectionate, compassionate, and vivacious. She found joy in various activities such as traveling, shopping, cooking, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. Possessing an optimistic outlook on life, Christina dedicated herself to spreading happiness and positivity to those around her.
The Break-In Incident
In the days leading up to her tragic demise, Christina Carlin-Kraft endured a harrowing ordeal at her recently acquired apartment. On August 18, 2018, she ventured out for a night on the town with friends in the city center. During the evening, she encountered a man named Andre Melton, who surreptitiously spiked her drink at a local bar. Upon returning home, Christina was unaware that Melton had followed her, subsequently gaining unlawful entry into her residence while she slept. In the midst of her slumber, he pilfered several luxury bags and jewelry items, totaling thousands of dollars in value.
The following morning, Christina awoke to the unsettling realization of the burglary. Swiftly, she contacted law enforcement to report the incident, prompting an investigation into the matter. Remarkably, some of her stolen possessions were later recovered by the police in southwest Philadelphia on August 22, 2018. Surveillance footage from the apartment building helped authorities identify Melton as the prime suspect in the case.
The Murder
On the morning of August 22, 2018, Christina Carlin-Kraft once again ventured into the city center, summoning an Uber ride to facilitate her journey. There, she encountered Jonathan Harris, a man recently released from prison and purportedly involved in drug dealings.
According to Harris’s subsequent confession, he and Christina Carlin-Kraft patronized a bar together, indulging in both drinks and narcotics. Subsequently, they returned to Christina’s apartment, where a confrontation ensued over financial matters and narcotics. Harris, in a fit of rage, physically assaulted Christina, inflicting injuries such as a broken nose and bruised eyes. Tragically, the altercation escalated, culminating in Harris strangling Christina to death, either with his bare hands or employing a belt.
Having committed the heinous act, Harris hastily fled the scene, leaving Christina’s lifeless body shrouded beneath a blanket upon the bed. In his haste, he absconded with several of her belongings, including her phone and keys, before attempting to evade capture by boarding a bus bound for Pittsburgh.
Meanwhile, Christina’s fiancé, Ciccotelli, grew increasingly concerned as he failed to establish contact with her or gain entry into her securely locked apartment. Fearing the worst, he urgently contacted emergency services, prompting a police response. Upon their arrival at approximately 9:15 pm, authorities were met with a grim scene, discovering Christina Carlin-Kraft’s lifeless body amidst the aftermath of a horrifying crime.
The Investigation and Arrest
Following Christina Carlin-Kraft’s tragic demise, law enforcement authorities initiated an extensive manhunt to apprehend her assailant. Utilizing surveillance footage from the apartment building and Uber records, the police diligently pursued Jonathan Harris. Additionally, public cooperation played a pivotal role, as numerous individuals provided valuable tips after recognizing Harris from media-released photographs.
On August 29, 2018, federal marshals successfully apprehended Harris at a hotel in Pittsburgh. Subsequently, during police interrogation, Harris admitted to the heinous act, alleging self-defense in response to Christina’s purported attack with a knife.
Formal charges levied against Harris include first-degree murder, robbery, theft, and associated offenses. Despite the weight of the allegations, Harris has entered a plea of not guilty and currently awaits trial as legal proceedings unfold.
The Aftermath
The untimely death of Christina Carlin-Kraft sent shockwaves through the hearts of those who knew her or admired her work, leaving many deeply saddened. In remembrance of her vibrant spirit, her family and friends gathered for a memorial service on September 4, 2018, at St. Thomas Church in New York City. They fondly recalled her as a radiant soul whose kindness and generosity had left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Tragically, Christina Carlin-Kraft’s murder underscored the potential risks associated with online dating and highlighted the pressing need for enhanced security measures within residential buildings. Across social media platforms, an outpouring of condolences and outrage reverberated, with many demanding justice for the beloved individual.
In recognition of the profound impact of her story, Christina Carlin-Kraft’s murder case will be featured on ID’s The Playboy Murders, a compelling series delving into the tragic fates of former Playboy models. The upcoming episode, titled “Moth to a Flame,” is scheduled to air on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 10 pm ET. Viewers can anticipate a detailed account of the investigation, showcasing the pivotal role of surveillance video in identifying the perpetrator, as revealed by ID.
