Silver Spring, Md. — What began as a family’s worst nightmare in mid-October turned into relief and disbelief this week when 13-year-old Wynter Wagoner was found alive inside a home in Silver Spring, Maryland, nearly 70 days after she vanished from her Rockcastle County, Kentucky, foster residence. This weekend’s discovery ended a long, wrenching search that stretched across state lines and involved multiple law enforcement agencies.
Wagoner was reported missing on October 14, 2025, after her foster parents found she wasn’t at home following school pickup. What followed was a massive search effort by the Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office, the Kentucky State Police, the FBI and the U.S. Marshals, all working to trace the teenager’s steps. Her family and community pleaded for her return, sharing her photos and offering a $5,000 reward for any information that could lead to her safe homecoming.
The breakthrough came Friday evening when Montgomery County police received a tip that a girl matching Wynter’s description might be in the 12000 block of Dalewood Drive in Silver Spring. Officers from the Montgomery County Police Department, working side by side with U.S. Marshals deputies, went to the address just before 6 p.m. and found Wynter safe inside.
Also inside the home was 37-year-old Christian Alexander Delgado, now charged with kidnapping in connection with Wynter’s disappearance. He was taken into custody without incident and later made a brief appearance in Montgomery County District Court, where he described the situation as a “misunderstanding” and called himself a “model citizen,” according to court reports. Delgado asked to be released so he could turn himself in to Kentucky authorities, but that request was denied.
Authorities have not disclosed how Wagoner traveled from Kentucky to Maryland or how long she stayed at the Silver Spring residence. Police also have not confirmed whether there was any prior relationship between Delgado and Wagoner. Officials say the investigation is ongoing and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
After her recovery, Wynter was taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution for medical evaluation. Police have not released specific details about her condition, but confirm she is safe.
Delgado remains held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit under a $1 million bond and is awaiting extradition to Kentucky to face formal charges. His family has made statements suggesting there may be more to the story, but law enforcement officials have not weighed in on those claims.
This case has touched many hearts from Kentucky to Maryland. Wynter’s relatives have expressed profound relief and gratitude as the community continues to rally around the young girl and her family in the wake of her return.
