Man Who Committed Murder, Arson In East Harlem Sentenced, Prosecutors Say

EAST HARLEM, NY — A man was sentenced to 39 years-to-life in prison after he committed a murder in an East Harlem apartment, set fire to the home, and attacked the officers arresting him, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.

According to Bragg, evidence presented at trial showed that Christopher Rodriguez allowed Aljo Mrkulic, 37, a former school friend, to stay in his East Harlem apartment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two became intimate partners, and on May 15, 2020, Mrkulic and Rodriguez returned to the apartment. In the early morning hours of May 16, Mrkulic attacked Rodriguez, inflicting over 120 stab and slash wounds.

Following the stabbing, Mrkulic set fire to the apartment in both the kitchen and bedroom, Bragg said. He then exited the apartment and attempted to disable the fire alarm, Bragg said.

Mrkulic reentered the apartment around 4:10 a.m., dragged Rodriguez into the hallway, and inflicted additional wounds, which led to his death, Bragg siad.

At approximately 4:21 a.m., police officers arrived in response to 911 calls. Mrkulic attacked the officers, biting their hands, and tasing one of them.

First responders pronounced Rodriguez dead at the scene. The fire forced hundreds of tenants in the 12-story building to evacuate.

"Aljo Mrkulic brutally murdered Christoper Rodriguez, who kindly opened his home to him during a time of need during a vulnerable moment for our city," Bragg said. "Mrkulic repaid that generosity with a depraved act of violence, devastating Mr. Rodriguez’s family and loved ones."

New York State Supreme Court Judge Curtis Farber convicted Mrkulic on December 17, 2025. The convictions included one count each of Murder in the Second Degree and Arson in the Second Degree, and three counts of Assault in the Second Degree.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.

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