North Salt Lake woman arrested for husband’s murder one year after his death

NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah, Nov. 27, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — A North Salt Lake woman has been arrested after her husband was found dead in July of last year.

A probable cause statement from the 2nd District Court of Farmington said Cynthia Lauren Knight-Christensen, 55, is facing charges of aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, and obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony. She is being held without bail in Davis County Jail.

On the morning of July 5, 2018, officers responded to 215 Vista Way, North Salt Lake, on a report of a medical incident, the statement said. Officers found the victim, Reed Christensen, deceased, lying on the floor in the upstairs hallway. Reed’s wife, Cynthia Knight-Christensen, had a neighbor call police for her to report she had come home and found her husband dead lying in a pool of blood.

The next day, the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy on the victim, and determined the death to be a homicide by a single gunshot.

“Detectives interviewed Cynthia in regards to her husband’s death,” the statement said. “During the investigation, North Salt Lake Police Department detectives located Cynthia’s reported stolen vehicle and interviewed multiple witnesses who were acquaintances of Cynthia. During the course of the investigation, Cynthia has been involved in multiple fraud related crimes which involved her husband, Reed. These fraud crimes involved Cynthia leaving the state of Utah to avoid apprehension. Cynthia was later arrested and extradited back to Utah to face the fraud charges.”

Detectives found many inconsistencies in Knight-Christensen’s interview, the statement said.

“Cynthia has given conflicting statements as to her actions when she entered the home and found her husband,” the statement said. “During the course of the investigation, detectives have identified information which conflicts with Cynthia’s initial interview and the appearance of the homicide scene.”

Detectives identified witnesses who said prior to the death of Reed Christensen, Knight-Christensen was home and said they got into an argument and she shot him, the statement said. After the death of her husband, witnesses said Cynthia discussed her alibi with them.

“Detectives spoke with witnesses who said Cynthia didn’t want to leave Reed because she didn’t want to lose the physical items, the home, and that Reed had evidence of her financial criminal activity and was going to turn her in,” the statement said.

“Cynthia said to witnesses Reed had been abusive to her and she wanted him dead and offered a sum of money.”

Witnesses also told police that in early June 2018, Knight-Christensen obtained a .40 caliber Taurus handgun. Detectives were told by witnesses that after Reed Christensen’s murder, Knight-Christensen disposed of evidence related in the crime, altered the scene, and falsely reported her vehicle stolen.

“Detectives have spoken with multiple witnesses in the case and have been able to corroborate specific facts about their statements,” the statement said. “During the investigation, witnesses provided information involving the purchase, use, and disposition of the handgun.”

Knight-Christensen was interviewed by detectives on Tuesday, at North Salt Lake Police Department.

“During the interview, Cynthia made multiple statements which contradicted facts and evidence in the case, however Cynthia denied being involved with Reed’s death,” the statement said.

“The arrest and detention is necessary to prevent risk of injury to a person or property, secure the appearance of the accused, and protect the public safety and welfare of the community or individuals.”