Boyfriend Charged with Murder in Death of Washington Woman, Family Mourns Decades Stolen
CONCRETE, Wash. – A 42-year-old man is facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of his girlfriend, 37-year-old Krista Hunt, whose body was recovered from the Skagit River in Washington state. Juan Delgado Jr. was already in custody on unrelated charges when he was formally accused in connection with Hunt’s disappearance and death, authorities said.
The case, which has gripped the small community of Concrete, unfolded after Hunt was reported missing on February 1st. Her mother, Pamela Hunt, told local media that Krista was last seen with Delgado on January 25th, after her truck ran out of gas near a local restaurant. Pamela Hunt recounted a history of alleged abuse, detailing past incidents where her daughter sustained injuries, including a broken leg allegedly caused by Delgado. “She said he had boot-stomped her leg and her chest… She mentioned that he once set a timer and threatened to hit her every 15 minutes,” Pamela Hunt told KING 5 News.
Authorities discovered critical evidence linking Delgado to the crime, including clumps of Hunt’s hair and traces of blood found in his vehicle.
Delgado initially told authorities he hadn’t heard from Hunt in five days, yet expressed a desire to retrieve her dogs, according to an affidavit shared by KING 5. He claimed their relationship was “on good terms” despite past issues. Days after Hunt was reported missing, Delgado attempted suicide at a local bar, later telling authorities he “missed Krista.”
The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the recovery of a body from the Skagit River on March 18th, which was subsequently identified as Krista Hunt. While the coroner has not yet determined an exact cause of death, injuries including a broken neck, jaw, and ribs were noted, according to KING 5. Delgado had reportedly told friends that Hunt had been hit by a car.
Delgado is currently being held on $1 million bail.
Hunt’s family is devastated by her death. Her brother, speaking to KING 5, expressed the profound loss, stating, “He stole 60 years of my relationship with Krista.”
The case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and its tragic consequences. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime.
The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate.