Share and Follow

Jamie and Nicholas Orsini could be sentenced to life in prison or put to death for murdering Steven Kraft’ A New York father was allegedly murdered by his former wife and her husband in what authorities called a “sophisticated” killing that took years to investigate, the Poughkeepsie Journal reports.

On Thursday, federal prosecutors charged 36-year-old Jamie Orsini and her husband, 35-year-old Nicholas Orsini, with conspiracy and carjacking resulting in death in connection with the presumed slaying of 34-year-old Steven Kraft.

The former U.S. Marine vanished on April 28, 2020, after taking his daughters out for dinner and dropping them off at the Orsinis’ house in Beacon, New York, north of New York City along the Hudson River.

READ: Richard Harris convicted for threatening Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence

Jamie and Nicholas Orsini could be sentenced to life in prison or put to death for murdering Steven Kraft
Jamie and Nicholas Orsini could be sentenced to life in prison or put to death for murdering Steven Kraft

Police have not found Kraft’s body, but there is evidence to suggest that the Orsinis dismembered and burned the remains.

Before and after Kraft’s disappearance, the couple allegedly bought an angle grinder with a grinding wheel, an axe, a large paint tarp, a Tyvek suit and boots, duct tape, two 31-gallon steel trash cans, odourless charcoal grates, a flame lighter and 16 bundles of firewood.

The government alleges that Kraft was carjacked after he dropped off his daughters and Nicholas Orsini drove Kraft’s Toyota Camry, walked a mile to a gas station, and called a taxi. Clothing matching what Nicholas Orsini was wearing at the gas station was found in his home during a police search in August 2020.

Prosecutors say the couple conducted a dry run prior to Kraft’s disappearance, using the same route that Nicholas Orsini drove on the day of the attack.

Investigators further alleged that the couple used burner phones to communicate and disposed of those phones, according to the criminal complaint.

If convicted, Jamie and Nicholas Orsini could be sentenced to life in prison or put to death.

Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, noted the lengths the Orsinis went to hide the killing.

“A little over three years ago, Nicholas and Jamie Orsini allegedly plotted to and did kill Jamie’s ex-husband, Steven Kraft,” Williams said in a statement. “Their alleged scheme was sophisticated — it involved burner phones, stealing and dumping Kraft’s car, and, ultimately, disposing of Kraft’s body.

“In doing so, the Orsinis denied Kraft’s family — including Kraft’s children with Jamie — the dignity of having a proper burial. This complaint shows that no matter how well you cover up your heinous act, law enforcement will not relent until they have uncovered your crimes.”

READ MORE: Monico Galban wanted for the first-degree murder of Jose Guarjardo

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most — your children.

[Feature Photo: Nicholas Orsini/U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York]

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

10-Year-Old Found ‘Black and Blue’ on Highway with Toenails Removed

An Arizona man and woman have been charged with murder after police…

Child Agency Worker Accused of Leaving Toddler in Hot Car Resulting in Tragedy

Inset: Kela Stanford (Jefferson County Sheriff”s Office). Background: The Alabama Department of…

Michigan Man Kidnaps Daughter, Tells Mom She’ll Have to ‘Search for Their Bones’ If She Calls Cops

A Michigan man accused of kidnapping his 7-year-old daughter from ex-wife”s home…

Trump Administration Faces Defeat as More ‘Sanctuary’ Cities Join Legal Battle

President Donald Trump attends a meeting with the Fraternal Order of Police…

Man Sentenced for Killing Boy Who Defended His Mother

Left: Crosetti Brand (Chicago Police Department). Right: Jayden Perkins (Inclusive Funeral Care).…

Teenager Confesses to Church After Killing Parents, Police Report

Left inset: Trevor Lee (Clay County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: David Lee…

Mother Charged with Murdering Daughter Could Receive Death Penalty

Left: Naikishia Williams (Palm Beach County Jail). Right: Nia Williams (Bell &…

Man Abducts Woman from Park, Assaults and Attacks Others: Police Report

Background: Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, Missouri (Google Maps). Inset: Austin…