Skagit County murder suspect arrested
KITSAP, Wash. - After a lengthy investigation, law enforcement took a Skagit County murder suspect into custody.
James Joseph Kelly, 31, is wanted for the murder of 44-year-old Justin Spaeth, of Marblemount. Spaeth was reported missing around Feb. 28.
Through their investigation, detectives obtained evidence that Spaeth was murdered by Kelly.
He has an extensive criminal history, including eluding police and possessing stolen property. During a search warrant of property he was staying at in 2023, drugs and weapons were found, deputies said.
He was taken into custody by Skagit and Whatcom County sheriff's offices and Bellingham Police.
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