A disturbing case out of Washington state is drawing renewed attention to the warning signs of domestic abuse—after investigators say a woman’s disappearance ended in a grim discovery and serious criminal charges against her boyfriend.

Juan Delgado, 42, is now charged with second-degree murder in the death of 37-year-old Krista Hunt, whose body was found weeks after she was reported missing. According to details outlined in recent reporting on the case, authorities believe Hunt suffered severe injuries before her body was disposed of in a river.

Hunt was last seen on January 25 in the small town of Concrete, Washington. Her family reported her missing days later, sparking a search that would eventually lead investigators to a tragic conclusion. Her mother told local media that Hunt had last been with a man believed to be her boyfriend—later identified as Delgado.

From the beginning, family members voiced concerns about the relationship.

Hunt’s mother described a pattern of alleged abuse, recalling past incidents where her daughter had been seriously injured. In one instance, she said Hunt had suffered a broken leg after being stomped on. In another, she claimed Delgado once set a timer and threatened to strike her at regular intervals—an allegation that has since become one of the most chilling details associated with the case.

As investigators worked to piece together Hunt’s final days, Delgado initially told authorities he had not heard from her for several days. Despite that, he reportedly offered to return her dogs—raising further questions about his account of events.

Then, in a troubling twist, Delgado reportedly attempted to take his own life at a local bar just days after Hunt was reported missing. He survived and later told authorities that he missed her.

Weeks later, a body was discovered in the Skagit River, which runs through the same rural area where Hunt was last seen. On March 18, officials confirmed the remains were hers.

While the exact cause of death could not be determined, the coroner reported multiple severe injuries, including a broken neck, broken jaw, and fractured ribs—findings that investigators say are consistent with a violent assault.

Authorities also uncovered physical evidence linking Delgado to the case, including blood and hair believed to belong to Hunt found inside his truck.

At one point, Delgado allegedly told others that Hunt had been struck by a vehicle—an explanation that now appears to conflict with the medical findings.

He is currently being held on $1 million bail.

For Hunt’s family, the loss has been devastating. Loved ones have spoken out about the emotional toll, describing not only grief but anger over what they believe were warning signs that went unchecked.

Her brother shared that the pain of losing his sister is overwhelming, adding that the tragedy has robbed their family of decades of memories they should have shared.

As the case moves through the legal system, it stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of escalating domestic violence—and the importance of recognizing and responding to early warning signs.

For those who knew Krista Hunt, however, the focus remains on remembering her life—and seeking justice for the one they lost far too soon.