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Deputies hunting for murder suspect in Skagit County

James Kelly is described as white, 31 years old, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 150 pounds with blond hair and green eyes.
James Joseph Kelly James Kelly is described as white, 31 years old, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 150 pounds with blond hair and green eyes. (Skagit County Sheriff's Office)

SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — Deputies with the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office are hunting for a Concrete man wanted for first-degree murder.

James Joseph Kelly is described as white, 31 years old, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 150 pounds with blond hair and green eyes.

Kelly is wanted in the disappearance of 44-year-old Justin Spaeth of Marblemount. Spaeth was reported missing from the 60000 Block of Rockport Cascade Road in Marblemount on or around Feb. 28.

The two men knew each other at the time of the murder.

Investigators developed information that led them to believe Spaeth was murdered by Kelly, who is known to frequent eastern Skagit County.

In December, Kittitas County deputies were also looking for Kelly in connection with burglaries and thefts around Cle Elum.

Authorities said that Kelly should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone who sees Kelly should not approach him and should instead call 911 or one of these numbers:

  • Skagit County Sheriff’s Office main number: 360-416-1911.
  • Skagit County Dispatch: 360-428-3211.
  • Skagit County Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line: 360-416-1950.
  • Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound: 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).



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