Krista Lueth Missing Person Case

Dec 21, 2010

Jan 12, 2024

Krista

Lueth

51

34

64 inches

125 lbs

White / Caucasian

Female

Krista Robin Lueth, a 34-year-old Michigan State University student, vanished from her Lansing, Michigan, home on November 11, 2008. She was in the process of earning a second bachelor's degree, this time in horticulture, having previously completed a degree in botany. On the evening she disappeared, Krista had a conversation with a friend who was subletting an apartment from her between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. During their talk, she expressed some financial concerns due to her recent breakup with her live-in boyfriend, which meant she would be solely responsible for the rent. To manage her finances, she mentioned plans to sell her truck and find a part-time job as a waitress. Despite these worries, her friend noted that Krista seemed to be in good spirits. However, she never made it to her 6:30 p.m. class at a greenhouse located just half a mile from her home. Her family grew concerned when they were unable to reach her and all their calls went directly to voicemail, which was highly uncharacteristic of the reliable and responsible young woman. The scene inside Krista's apartment suggested a sudden and unplanned departure. Her cat was found locked inside, a pot of food was left on the stove, and it appeared as though she had only stepped out for a brief moment. Friends and family described her as a dedicated student with aspirations of attending a graduate program at Cornell University, and someone who would never abandon her pet or her responsibilities without any explanation. The investigation into her disappearance soon pointed towards her ex-boyfriend, Brad Cournaya, as a person of interest. Several months after she went missing, some of her personal belongings, including her driver's license, debit card, and cell phone, were discovered along U.S. 127, south of Lansing. This location was significant as it was the same area where Cournaya's truck had broken down on the night of Krista's disappearance. It was also revealed that the last known call Krista made was to Cournaya. Over the years, the investigation continued, and in December 2020, Brad Cournaya was officially charged with Krista's murder. At the time of this charge, Cournaya was already incarcerated for other serious crimes. In June 2023, he was convicted of her murder, and in September of the same year, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Despite the conviction, Krista's body has never been found, leaving her family without the closure of being able to lay her to rest. The case, which began as a missing person report, evolved into a homicide investigation and ultimately concluded with a conviction, highlighting the persistent efforts of law enforcement to seek justice for Krista, even after many years had passed. The circumstances of her disappearance, the discovery of her personal items, and the timeline of events all played a crucial role in building the case against her ex-boyfriend.

Nov 11, 2008

Lansing

Michigan

Ingham County

48912

9453

Michigan State Police - Lansing Post

Lansing

Michigan

Eaton County

48913

Michael Dillon

D/Sgt.

7119 North Canal Road, Michigan

5173221907

State

Law Enforcement

www.michigan.gov/msp

11-4396-08

Michigan State Police - Lansing Post

Brown

Blue

Blue

07/13/2026