Former Playboy model found strangled to death in upscale Pennsylvania condo
Pennsylvania law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a former Playboy model after she was found strangled in her bedroom on Wednesday night.
Authorities identified the victim as 36-year-old Christina Kraft, and said the murder occurred in her apartment in the west side suburb of Ardmore on Sibley Avenue.
The crime was discovered at around 9.15 pm after Lower Merion Township Police was called to Kraft's residence to perform a welfare check on the former model. As of now, authorities have not confirmed who initiated the welfare check.
Police had not made any arrests as of late Thursday night after an autopsy report revealed that the lingerie model died by "ligature strangulation."
In a statement on Thursday, Lower Merion Township Police Superintendent Michael McGrath and Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele confirmed that there did not appear to be a threat to other residents of the coveted neighborhood.
In a conversation with Philly.com, a resident of the same building said that Kraft had moved into her condo just a week ago. According to ABC 6, Kraft reported several pieces of her expensive jewelry and designer bags had been stolen, just three days prior to the incident.
Dave Farina, another resident of Ardmore, expressed her shock upon learning of the murder in his community, which otherwise prides itself on its safety. "We never had that type of thing in Ardmore. Hardly ever. It's enough to make me cry," Farina told ABC 6.
"I'm praying for them that they find out who did it... and bring them to justice."
Kraft was known for her appearance in Maxim magazine, Vanity Fair, Victoria's Secret, and Smashbox Cosmetics, aside from her stint with Playboy.
In her Model Mayhem bio, Kraft describes her nationality to be Russian, German, with a hint of Swedish.
She further states in the bio: "I've done runway shows, print work, commercials for jewelry and evening gowns, and I did a tasteful photo shoot for Playboy that was beyond Hollywood glamour!
"I would like to build my portfolio with some more creative photographers who specialize in glamour and very high fashion! I really do enjoy photo shoots for swimwear and tasteful lingerie. I'm willing to travel and I love to meet new exciting people with high energy and a kind heart. I look forward to working with you and hope to make this a great experience!"
Back in 2016, Kraft temporarily charged with assault after she attacked a restaurant manager in New York while in an inebriated state. The incident occurred at The Smith, an American Brasserie on the Upper West Side.
Sergey Anokhin, the manager who was assaulted, said at the time that he was left with "redness and substantial pain" after Kraft kicked him in the groin after striking his back.
According to a New York Post source at the time, the guy "didn't want to pay... the manager interceded."
"She was intoxicated, and she claimed that the manager pushed her - but there was video of the incident that showed she was lying."
After the violent incident, prosecutors offer to drop charges on the brunette bombshell, provided she didn't break the law for the following six months.
Initially, she was charged with attempted assault, misdemeanor assault, and harassment.