A Washington state man, Juan Manuel Delgado Jr., 42, has been charged with second-degree murder after his girlfriend, Krista Joy Hunt, 37, was found dead in the Skagit River. The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office submitted the charging paperwork to prosecutors on March 19 following an active investigation.
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Hunt was reported missing on February 1 after last being seen in Concrete, Washington, around January 25. Deputies discovered her remains near milepost 90 along Highway 20 on March 12 during a boat search. The Skagit County Coroner’s Office confirmed the remains belonged to Hunt but has not yet determined an official cause or manner of death.
The victim’s mother, Pamela Hunt, alleged a history of severe abuse preceding Krista Hunt’s disappearance, including claims that Delgado inflicted multiple injuries such as a broken leg, broken neck, jaw, ribs, and strangulation marks. Pamela Hunt said her daughter described Delgado once setting a timer to repeatedly beat her every 15 minutes. These allegations have not been independently confirmed by authorities.
Delgado was already in custody on unrelated charges that include possessing an explosive device, unlawful possession of a firearm, and DUI when the murder charge was filed. Investigators reportedly found possible evidence of violence inside Delgado’s truck, including clumps of hair and blood linked to Hunt.
According to an affidavit, Delgado told deputies on February 1 that he had not heard from Hunt in five days but wanted to return her two dogs. He also admitted relationship problems but claimed they were on good terms. Delgado later survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a local bar and reportedly expressed missing Hunt.
Pamela Hunt has disputed portrayals of Delgado as her daughter’s boyfriend, calling him “a moment in her life” marked by relentless cruelty. The family remains devastated by Hunt’s death and is facing funeral expenses. Delgado is held on $1 million bail as the investigation continues.
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