Thirteen-year-old Wynter Wagoner vanished in October, leaving behind a growing wave of worry and unanswered questions. For over two months, her family and friends lived with the agonizing uncertainty of not knowing where she was, or if she was safe.
The search finally ended on December 26th, more than 500 miles from where she was last seen. Wynter was discovered in Maryland, a journey that began with a man she reportedly met online. The man, 37-year-old Christian Alexander Delgado, claimed the entire situation stemmed from a “misunderstanding.”
Court records reveal a disturbing timeline: Delgado allegedly drove from Florida to Kentucky to find Wynter, then transported her back to Florida before continuing on to Maryland. It was there, in a Maryland home, that Wynter was ultimately found, after reaching out to a family member.
Before her disappearance, Wynter confided in friends and family about plans to run away. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the case, hinting at underlying struggles she was facing before encountering Delgado. Her aunt was the one she contacted, providing the crucial address that led to her rescue.
Delgado was arrested and charged with kidnapping, initially offering the explanation of a “misunderstanding” during a court appearance. He has since been transferred to a Kentucky detention center, held on a $1 million bond, and awaits his next court date.
The relief within Wynter’s family is immense, but tempered with the understanding of the trauma she has endured. Her cousin expressed profound gratitude for her safe return, emphasizing the need for privacy and support as she begins to heal.
Wynter’s father revealed a heartbreaking detail: she is blaming herself for what happened, a burden no child should carry. Despite this, he expressed overwhelming relief and gratitude, acknowledging how fortunate they were for her safe recovery.
“She’s blaming herself for a lot of the stuff that she doesn’t understand,” her father shared. “She is a child. She doesn’t understand.” He believes her resilience is remarkable, stating that most children in similar circumstances might not have survived.
The family is now focused on providing Wynter with the love, stability, and compassion she needs to rebuild her life, grateful for the unwavering support of the communities who kept her story alive.
