One dead, one shot after altercation in Highland Estates

The Summit County Sheriff's Office working at a murder scene on Countryside Circle in Highland Estates on October 7, 2021. Photo: TownLift

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah. – A 911 call around 6:50am on October 7 alerted Summit County Sheriff’s Office to a man lying on the ground on Countryside Circle in Highland Estates. Within a few minutes, Summit County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the scene, and deputies confirmed that the man; 50-year-old John Krieg of Park City was deceased. Shortly thereafter, Deputies also encountered 58-year-old James Ramsdell with a gunshot wound to his hand.

Summit County Sheriff’s Office Investigators determined the deceased John Krieg had an apparent single gunshot wound to his chest. Mr. Krieg lived in a basement apartment of the residence on Countryside Circle where his body was found. Investigators learned that Krieg and his housemate, Ramsdell, who lives in the upper level of the same residence, got into an altercation while drinking alcohol in the early morning hours of October 7, 2021. At some point during the altercation, a small handgun was introduced. The two men exited the home and were arguing. Ramsdell returned to the residence, but Krieg did not. Law enforcement wasn’t contacted until the passerby saw Krieg’s body lying near the roadway.

James Ramsdell has been booked into the Summit County Jail on suspicion of murder. Ramsdell was booked on the following charges:

1. Murder – 1st Degree Felony
2. Discharging a Firearm – 3rd Degree Felony
3. Carrying a Weapon While Under the Influence – Class B Misdemeanor
4. Intoxication – Class C Misdemeanor
5. Disorderly Conduct – Class C Misdemeanor

A group of Bystanders told TownLift, they saw four sheriff’s cars speeding to the scene in the early morning hours. “It looked like something out of a movie.” Sheriff’s were on scene for over 12 hours yesterday.

This is a developing story and we will keep you posted as we know more.