Utt released from custody

***UPDATED***

SANDPOINT — While witnesses placed a suspect near the Trestle Creek Road area where a former city clerk was murdered Wednesday, Bonner County Sheriff’s officials said Nathan Lane Utt’s alibi checked out and he was released Wednesday morning.

Utt, 41, had been arrested early Saturday morning at a Spokane train station after the April 5 death of the former Hope city clerk Shirley Ann Ramey. Ramey was found unresponsive by her husband at their Trestle Creek Road home around 5 p.m. Wednesday. Her cause of death has not been officially released, although cached versions of Bonner County dispatch records indicate she had been shot to death.

Although several local eyewitnesses placed Utt in the area of the homicide during the correct time frame, when interviewed, BCSO officials said in a press relese that he provided legitimate and verifiable information as to his whereabouts. The information, verified and confirmed, placed him in Eugene, Ore., at the time of Ramey’s death.

Upon receipt of this information, Nathan Utt was released and charges against him were dropped without prejudice by the Bonner County Prosecutor.

The investigation is ongoing, and other leads that have been developed are still currently being investigated.

Residents in the area are asked to remain vigilant, and anyone with information in reference to this case is asked to contact either Bonner County Dispatch at 208-265- 5525 or to report anonymous tips to 208-255-COPS (2677).