Suspect in Orem slaying free on bail

An Orem man suspected in the shooting death of his brother-in-law was released Tuesday from the Utah County Jail.

Steve Strate, 54, bailed out with a $1 million cashier's check, officials said.

Documents filed Monday in 4th District Court said Strate has been charged with murder, a first-degree felony. However, prosecutor Craig Johnson said that was a "clerical error" because Strate's initial appearance, which had been scheduled for this past Monday, was delayed until Friday.

Johnson said charges would not be officially filed until Strate's scheduled appearance on Friday.

Police believe Strate shot Marvin Sidwell, 51, multiple times on Oct. 25 in the basement of the home in Orem where Sidwell lived with his mother.

Strate called police immediately after the shooting. In the call, Strate can be heard saying Sidwell had attacked him with a chair. Strate surrendered to police without incident a short time later.

Strate, who operates a crane company in addition to other business interests, has hired prominent defense attorney Ron Yengich.

— Paul Koepp