Concrete, Washington – A 42-year-old man, Juan Delgado, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Krista Hunt, who was reported missing in February 2024 and found weeks later in a river.
Krista Hunt’s Disappearance
Krista Hunt, 37, was reported missing on February 1, 2024 after she was last seen on January 25, 2024, in Concrete, Washington, with her boyfriend, Juan Delgado. According to Hunt’s mother, Pamela Hunt, their truck had run out of gas, and Krista walked away but never returned.
Pamela Hunt also told the authorities that her daughter had been suffering from abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, Juan Delgado. Just before she went missing, Krista was taken to the hospital after suffering a broken leg. According to Pamela, Krista revealed that Delgado had boot-stomped her leg and chest and had even set a timer to hit her every 15 minutes.
Allegations of Abuse and the Discovery of Hunt’s Body
Krista Hunt had also shared with hospital staff that she had been dragged across the road, burned with a lighter, punched, and hit with a belt by Delgado. Despite the abuse, she did not want to report it.
Two days after Krista was reported missing, Juan Delgado allegedly shot himself in the face at a bar, according to the KING 5 News report. Deputies had gone to speak with his mother about Krista’s disappearance, and she later called 911 to report that Delgado had shot himself after laying down plastic sheeting. He survived the suicide attempt but was seriously injured.
During the investigation, investigators found clumps of Krista’s hair and her blood inside Delgado’s truck. Delgado reportedly refused to cooperate with authorities during questioning and allegedly told friends that Krista had been hit by a car.
Hunt’s Body Found in Skagit River
On March 12, 2024, Krista Hunt’s body was found in the Skagit River. She was identified a few days later. The coroner could not determine the cause of death, but it was noted that Krista had suffered a broken neck, jaw, and ribs.
Charges and Family’s Reaction
On March 20, 2024, the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office announced that second-degree murder charges had been filed against Juan Delgado.
After the charges were announced, Rand Hunt, Krista’s brother, expressed the immense pain the family was experiencing. “I can’t imagine the pain my mom is going through right now. I know the pain I’m going through. And it’s hard. He stole 60 years of my relationship with Krista,” he said.
Juan Delgado is being held in Skagit County Jail on $1 million bail as he awaits trial.
