Ex-‘America’s Next Top Model’ contestant among 3 dead in NC

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, United States — A young man has been charged with killing a former contestant on “America’s Next Top Model.”

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police in North Carolina said in a statement Wednesday that 19-year-old Emmanuel Jesus Rangel-Hernandez has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the death of 19-year-old Mirjana Puhar and two other victims.

The victims’ bodies were found in a Charlotte, North Carolina, home on Tuesday. Police did not reveal how they were killed.

Tyra Banks and Ken Mok are co-producers of the reality TV show “America’s Next Top Model.” The two confirmed Wednesday in a written statement that Puhar appeared on the show last year.

Police say Rangel-Hernandez is also charged in connection with a murder at a motel Sunday.

The suspect is being held at a local jail. Online records don’t indicate whether he has an attorney.