Warrant reveals Kentucky teen met accused kidnapper online

New details continue to surface in the case of Wynter Wagoner, a 13-year-old Kentucky girl who disappeared from her Rockcastle County foster home in October.

Wagoner was last seen around Oct. 14, 2025, and according to court documents, no one witnessed her leaving the home. Authorities searched the surrounding area extensively but found no sign of her. During the weeks that followed, family members and community members gathered multiple times to pray for her safe return and pleaded for information.

An arrest warrant later revealed that investigators learned Wagoner had been planning to run away for several weeks. Her whereabouts remained unknown until the day after Christmas, when her aunt reportedly received a phone call from her.

According to court records, on Dec. 26, Wagoner contacted her aunt and provided an address in Maryland, more than 500 miles from her home in Kentucky. The aunt immediately reported the call to the U.S. Marshals.

When authorities responded to a residence in the 12000 block of Dalewood Drive, they located Wagoner with 37-year-old Christian Delgado. Investigators say Delgado told them he met Wagoner online and drove from Florida to pick her up. He allegedly took her to Florida before traveling with her to his Maryland residence.

This report was compiled using information gathered from law enforcement statements, official press releases and publicly available news sources.

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Delgado was arrested at the scene, and Wagoner was taken to a local hospital for an examination. The Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that she is safe.

Delgado made his first court appearance in Maryland on Monday, Dec. 29, where a judge ordered him held without bond while awaiting extradition to Kentucky. Other media outlets reported that members of Delgado’s family were present in the courtroom but declined to comment.

During the hearing, Delgado referred to the case as a “misunderstanding,” describing himself as a model citizen. He reportedly requested house arrest, saying he wanted to prepare his defense and remain in regular contact with his attorney. He also told the judge he did not want to be a burden on taxpayers, while his public defender pointed to his recent employment at a local car dealership.

The judge ultimately denied the request and ordered Delgado to remain in custody.

Criminal defense attorney Bo Kalabus, who is not affiliated with the case, said defenses in similar cases often focus on age perception.

“The defense can try to argue that she appeared to be 18,” Kalabus said. “It’s going to come down to how she appeared and how diligently the person charged attempted to determine her age.”

The arrest warrant does not specify whether Wagoner and Delgado discussed her being 13.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say more information is expected to be released.

Family members expressed relief and gratitude following Wagoner’s recovery.

“Right now, we’re overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude,” said her cousin, Johnny Miller. “This has been the most difficult time our family has ever known, but it showed us how much goodness there is in people.”

Wagoner’s biological mother, Summer Engle, also thanked the community.

“I want to appreciate everyone who was praying,” Engle said. “Prayer does work.”

The Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office says additional details will be released as the investigation continues.