The defendant in the 2021 death of Michael Kroll was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
In handing down the sentence to Glenn Canyon Lee Hunt, 62, 6th Judicial District Chief Judge Jeffrey Wilson suggested the plea and sentence are a good outcome in the case.
Hunt entered a guilty plea to murder in the second degree on Jan. 6, with that plea stipulating to a sentence of 18 years.
According to a press release previously issued by the Pagosa Springs Police Department (PSPD), Kroll was reported missing from the Pagosa Springs area on Oct. 19, 2021, and his remains were later located in a remote area of La Plata County on Sept. 25, 2022.
Hunt, formerly of Archuleta County, was identified through a joint investigation by the Pagosa Springs Police Department and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the press release notes.
The 11-page arrest warrant affidavit in the case alleges that Hunt and Kroll had met on Oct. 16, 2021, at a “hippie dip” along the river in Pagosa Springs, with Hunt being the last person Kroll was seen with prior to his disappearance.
It notes that Kroll was reported missing on Oct. 19, 2021, after failing to show up for work. His cellphone was found by a construction worker in the middle of the highway near U.S. 160 and Colo. 151 on Oct. 18, 2021 — the same day his dog was dropped off at a Bayfield gas station by a man later identified as Hunt.
The affidavit further alleges data associated with Hunt’s cellphone placed him in Bayfield on Oct. 18, 2021, as well as in the area of Middle Mountain in La Plata County — the area Kroll’s remains were found nearly a year later.
It further notes DNA analysis of blood found in the camper Kroll was living in “showed strong support that it was a mixture of blood from both Michael Kroll and Glen Hunt.”
Hunt was arrested in August of 2023 in Kit Carson County.
Prior to the sentence, the court heard several statements.
Family members and friends of Kroll described him to the court as a friend, brother, son, father, protector, and a bright and shining light.
A friend of Kroll expressed she was leery when Kroll was traveling, but that he believed if he put good in the world, he would be OK.
She expressed hope that when Hunt dies he will be forgotten.
“I refuse to remember him,” she told the court of Hunt, adding Kroll will always be remembered and loved.
Kroll’s ex-wife and the mother of his children told the court Kroll was a bright and shining light, and Hunt’s darkness would not prevail over that light.
Kroll’s sister told the court Hunt didn’t just take a drifter — he took the life of a son, father and brother, and showed blatant disregard for human life.
She indicated Hunt has robbed her of countless memories with her brother, who she noted she thought was the greatest person in the world.
“You gained nothing by hurting Michael,” she said, adding, “I hope the things you have done haunt you.”
After hearing from Kroll’s family and friends, the court heard from Justin Bogan, Hunt’s attorney, who asked the court to accept the agreement of 18 years, noting Hunt has more than 500 days of presentence confinement in the case.
Bogan also noted he was struck by the “dignity, grace and strength expressed” in the courtroom during the hearing.
He also told the court that, during about every conversation he’d had with Hunt, Hunt was “wrought with regret and remorse.”
He added that words are imperfect, but added, “He is woefully sorry about what happened to Michael.”
Deputy District Attorney Brad Neagos indicated to the court Kroll was a father, son and brother who was “murdered in cold blood.”
He added Hunt’s darkness has shown throughout his life and Hunt is not safe to be in society.
He added that hopefully removing Hunt for 18 years will keep society safe.
Neagos also pointed out the time the case took, with Kroll’s death occurring in 2021 and the family receiving closure in 2025, and credited PSPD Detective Boyd Neagle for his hard work and perseverance on the case.
He also asked Wilson to accept the 18-year sentence.
Hunt then addressed the court.
Hunt expressed that he understands the anger and that it would be impossible to write a statement of reconciliation that would mean anything.
He indicated he knows what it’s like to lose loved ones to death.
Hunt also took responsibility and told the court he has encouraged and shared about the sacredness of life with fellow inmates.
He added he is “deeply, deeply sorry.”
Hunt further noted that Kroll no longer has a voice, but he can be one for Kroll and will share with others how to respect life and act in society.
He indicated he understands he can’t be forgiven, adding later that, moving forward, he will be an example.
Following Hunt’s statement to the court, Wilson told Hunt he appreciated his statement.
Wilson also thanked law enforcement, noting they did a good job getting the case to where it was and calling the outcome a good one given the lack of evidence in some ways, adding that some justice is better than none.
Wilson also noted “no one knows the depth of loss and pain” Kroll’s family and friends feel, and you never know how he would have changed the world or someone’s life.
He continued that the ripples of Hunt’s actions extend forever and Hunt has made society poorer before noting he can’t imagine what Kroll’s kids are feeling.
Wilson then sentenced Kroll to 18 years in the Department of Corrections followed by five years of parole before alerting Kroll’s family and friends to the fact that Hunt is unlikely to serve the full 18 years due to reductions in time.
Wilson then told Hunt he hopes Hunt does well in the Department of Corrections and commended the maturity and class of Kroll’s family and friends.
randi@pagosasun.com
