America’s Next Top Model contestant Mirjana Puhar is dead after a triple homicide at her boyfriend’s home in Charlotte, N.C., Us Weekly can confirm. (TMZ was first to report the news on Wednesday, Feb. 25.) According to case info from police, the reality TV alum was one of three killed on Tuesday. She was just 19 years young.
Puhar, who competed on 2014’s cycle 21 of Tyra Banks’ long-running modeling competition, had reportedly just moved in with her boyfriend, identified by TMZ as 23-year-old Jonathan Alvarado. He was killed along with a man reported to be his roommate, 21-year-old Jusmar Gonzaga-Garcia.
Police have arrested Emmanuel Jesus Rangel, 19, in connection with the deaths. He was charged with three counts of 1st-degree murder and remains in custody at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. He is also linked with a murder that took place on Feb. 22.
A friend allegedly discovered Puhar and the other victims after receiving a call about gunshots at the residence. Per TMZ, there was money scattered around the house. Investigators say it appears the killings may have been drug related, and that the victims and Rangel knew one another.
This is a (cont’d)
Miss J (who I personally dubbed “YouLetAB/tchGiveYouAPill?) Alexander who, ironically returned during Cycle 21, spoke:
Saddened to learn about #ANTM Cycle 21 contestant Mirjana Puhar's murder. Remembering her fondly. RIP pic.twitter.com/gHj7WMZEcY
— Miss J Alexander (@MissJAlexander) February 25, 2015
Tyra (HeadModelInCharge) Banks spoke as well:
The Top Model family is deeply saddened by the tragic news of Mirjana Puhar.
We love you, Mirjana.
Forever.
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) February 26, 2015
Nigel Barker (not pictured) was on the ANTM panel Cycles 1-18
Jay Manuel (pictured via Tweet) was on ANTM panel Cycle 1-17
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