Kornberger`s Bail Increased

A south New Jersey teen accused in the murder of Krista DiFrancesco went before a judge Monday to get his bail reduced, but ended up getting it increased. Christopher Kornberger allegedly stabbed DiFrancesco to death on the steps of her home in May 2003. His arrest was made one year after the murder. Kornberger was also charged with the attempted murder of Nancy Clark in November 2003.

The judge raised Kornberger's bail by $200,000 to $1.3 million after prosecutors said the 19-year-old had a history of substance abuse problems and had twice dropped out of treatment programs.

DiFrancesco, 24, was stabbed and raped outside her home while her husband and 10-month-old baby were inside. She died two days later. Police said the attacks were part of a yearlong spree in which DiFrancesco preyed randomly on women.

Kornberger appeared in court via closed-circuit television with his lawyer in court.

Kornberger's family turned out in force in court. They said they couldn't believe the charges against him.

According to reports, Kornberger made a confession in the two stabbings, but no confession was read in court Monday. The defense waived its right to have the charges read in court.

Bill DiFrancesco called Kornberger "a monster" Monday. DiFrancesco and his mother-in-law and father-in-law came to the hearing. He said he wanted to see the man accused of killing his wife and the mother of his young child.

"Not knowing if this crime would ever be solved, I had somewhat accepted I would always be a suspect. But when I learned Friday of the arrest, I was hit with a wave of horror, guilt and rage, which still overshadows any feeling of relief," DiFrancesco said.

DiFrancesco's lawyer said that his client has not had the chance to grieve because he was under the cloud of suspicion and he is just now starting that process.

DiFrancesco said that his thoughts and prayers go out to the Clark family. He said he is sure that "this monster" has put that family through a nightmare, as well.

Last year, Kornberger pleaded guilty to breaking into a house and to striking a jogger with his car. Authorities now say those seemingly unrelated crimes were part of his efforts to assault women.

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