UPDATE: Nutley Woman, Man Identified In Murder-Suicide

The Nutley man and woman killed in a murder-suicide have been identified as Christina Prestianni, 37, and Christopher Minichini, 38.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Minichini shot his girlfriend and then turned the gun on himself, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray stated. The two were found dead on Thursday in the Hillside Avenue home they shared.

Minchini worked as a New Jersey State Corrections Officer for the past seven years, Murray reported.

Family and friends of Prestinanni are seeking donations to cover the cost of funeral expenses.

As of Friday afternoon, $3,200 has been raised on a Gofundme page that was set up for Christina Prestianni by her ex-husband of five years.

Prestianni was a Bloomfield native, Jersey City University alum, and owner of Pupcake Dog Grooming and Bakery in Caldwell, according to her Facebook page.

Friends posting on Prestianni’s Facebook page stated that the young woman’s sudden death is an “insurmountable loss.” Many described Prestianni as “smart, funny, charismatic, energetic” and a “wonderful person.”

Others remembered her love for animals, with one Facebook friend stating, “This makes no sense. We have lost a truly beautiful human being. Your smile and your sweetness will never be forgotten by all, whether we have two legs, or four. Rest In Peace.”

Many also remarked on the nature of Prestianni’s passing.

“It truly has me beside myself that such an amazing, beautiful, strong woman was taken away by such a weak, heartless piece of human garbage,” a Facebook friend wrote.

“I can’t believe something so terrible can happen to someone as sweet as you,” a Facebook friend posted.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office firs reported that a woman was found dead in an alleged murder-suicide at a Hillside Avenue home in Nutley on Thursday, Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray stated to the press. The woman was suffering from severe gunshot wounds, Murray stated Thursday.

Nutley Police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force are investigating the crime.

The investigation is active and ongoing, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly.

Anyone with information should contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-621-4700.

Related Stories:

• UPDATE: Clues Sought After Alleged Murder-Suicide at Nutley Home
• Prosecutor: Babysitter Left 4-Year-Old Child Alone; Girl Trapped, Died In Futon
• Montclair State Spends $210,000 On Bronze Statue, Students Outraged
• Essex County Man Wanted for Murder of Young Mother of Two

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