“America’s Next Top Model” contestant Mirjana Puhar was killed on Tuesday, Access Hollywood has confirmed. She was 19.
Mirjana Puhar on August 20, 2014 (Getty)
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in Charlotte, North Carolina, Puhar was part of a triple homicide that included her boyfriend, Jonathan Cosme Alvarado, 23, and Jusmar Isiah Gonzaga-Garcia, 21.
Police have arrested and charged Emmanuel Jesus Rangel with three counts of first-degree murder.
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“Preliminary information indicates that the victims and suspect were known to one another and this incident was drug related,” CMPD authorities stated.
Rangel, who is currently in custody, has also been charged in connection with a murder that took place in Matthews, North Carolina on February 22, 2015.
“ANTM” contestant Keith Carlos – the first male winner of the series – remembered Puhar on Twitter on Wednesday.
ðŸââðŸâ¢Â I Love You @mirjanapuhar #RIP #ANTMCycle21 pic.twitter.com/jzea4JlY0q
— Mr. ANTM (@Keith_Carlos) February 25, 2015
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Puhar’s fellow Cycle 21 contestant Chantelle Young (who now goes by Winnie Harlow) also remembered her on social media.
Fly high queen @mirjanapuhar ðŸââðŸËª #RIPðŸââ pic.twitter.com/WdccXz32Pn
— ChantelleWinnieââ¢â (@winnieharlow) February 25, 2015
Puhar competed on “ANTM” Cycle 21, which aired in 2014. She was eliminated from the Tyra Banks-created show on the 10th episode.
UPDATE: In a statement to Access Hollywood, “ANTM” executive producers Tyra Banks and Ken Mok said, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news about Mirjana Puhar. She was a vivacious and promising young woman. Our hearts and prayers go out to her loved ones.”
— Jesse Spero
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