Man Guilty Of Murdering Model From New Jersey In Suburban Philly

The man accused of killing a model from New Jersey in her suburban Philadelphia condominium last year was found guilty of murder by a jury, according to court records.

At his trial Thursday, May 9, a jury handed a guilty verdict down to Jonathan Harris, 31, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on murder, kidnapping, strangulation, and possession of an instrument of crime charges.

Harris' sentencing has been deferred, court documents show.

Christina Kraft, 36, of Atlantic County, was found strangled to death in a bedroom of a condo in Ardmore, just outside of Philadelphia, the evening of Aug. 22, 2018 after Lower Merion Police were called to the condo for a welfare check.

An autopsy revealed she was strangled to death via ligature.

Harris – who was released from prison in July 2018 – met Kraft in Philadelphia during the early morning hours of Aug. 22. There was no apparent relationship between Harris and Kraft before that day.

The two then took a car to Kraft's suburban condo.

That's where the authorities say Kraft was beaten and strangled to death and allege Harris was the culprit.

At about 3 a.m., the door to her condo was seen on camera opening, but that door did not open until Lower Merion Township Police checked on the victim the night of Aug. 22.

Harris used a backdoor to flee the apartment.

Harris texted a friend in the early morning hours of Aug. 22 saying he was with a woman in her home in Ardmore.

After issuing photos and videos of Harris, authorities received tips, including the above text message information, that led them to identify Harris as the suspect.

Harris was arrested Aug. 29 while getting off a bus in Pittsburgh after authorities received tips from the public on Harris' identity and whereabouts.

Kraft's booking page online says she is a model who was in a Playboy shoot, had runway appearances, appeared in print ads, and more.