ELKO -- A Spring Creek woman convicted of killing her 6-year-old stepson has received a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
Elko District Judge Michael Memeo handed down the sentence Friday to Chrystal Hunt, who was found guilty last fall of first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm in the December 2005 death of Kyle Hunt at their home.
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The judge said Hunt's methamphetamine abuse played a key role in sentencing, and he hopes the stiff punishment will help deter meth use.
Deputy District Attorney Rob Lowe said Hunt was taking meth while neglecting the starving boy.
Hunt, 43, was accused of pouring salt down Kyle's throat and beating him. An older sister, Amanda, survived and was a key prosecution witness. She now lives with relatives.
"(Salt poisoning is) a horrible way to die," Lowe said. "This isn't a death without any suffering in it. This is quite the opposite."
