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Husband Named Key Suspect In Silverthorne Slaying

SILVERTHORNE, Colo. (AP) -- Investigators have named the husband of a woman found dead in Silverthorne as the key suspect in the case.

Authorities in Summit County made the announcement Wednesday, the same day prosecutors filed a request for a grand jury to be convened to review the death of Stephanie Bruner, 41.

Her husband, Dale Bruner, reported her missing on Nov. 23, saying she didn't return home after going out the night before. Her body was found three days later in the Blue River near her home.

Two weeks after that, preliminary autopsy results labeled her death a homicide. Final autopsy results have not been released.

When CBS4 reporter Stan Bush talked to Bruner, he said, "No comment."

"Mr. Bruner has been exercising his constitutional right to remain silent in the investigation of this matter," said Bruner's attorney Rob Bernhardt.

"I am somewhat surprised they would name a key suspect in that press release and perhaps compromise the integrity of the grand jury," said Bernhardt.

"After extensive discussions, we decided that this was an investigative tool that we needed to complete this case and finish it," said Summit County District Attorney Mark Hulbert.

Stephanie Bruner's family has said the mother of three was laid off in October and filed for divorce Nov. 1.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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