A Concrete man was charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the disappearance and suspected killing of a Marblemount man.
James Kelly, 31, was booked into Skagit County Jail on a $1 million bail Thursday evening, March 21, according to jail records. He was arrested after a two-day search, aided by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Bellingham Police Department.
Kelly allegedly murdered Justin Spaeth, 44, after an investigation into Spaeth’s February disappearance, according to the sheriff’s office. Spaeth was reported missing on Feb. 28 from the 60000 block of Rockport Cascade Road in Marblemount. He left his home and was going to a friend’s house 2 miles away.
During the investigation into Spaeth’s disappearance, the sheriff’s office found evidence and information to believe Kelly, who knew Spaeth at the time, had been involved in Spaeth’s death.
First-degree premeditated murder is a class A felony that carries up to a life prison sentence if found guilty, according to online court records. The probable cause affidavit, dated March 8, was sealed by a Skagit County judge.
Nobody was injured when Kelly was arrested, according to the sheriff’s office.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
