WESTCLIFFE -- Last week's shooting death of a 30-year-old Westcliffe woman still is deemed suspicious, however, her common-law husband is not considered a suspect in her death.

According to Custer County Sheriff Shannon Byerly, Ashley Brady suffered an apparent gunshot wound to her chest last Wednesday and her common-law-husband Michael Ratliff, 32, who was highly intoxicated at the time, repeatedly attempted to interfere with a responding deputy. Ratliff was shocked with a Taser and taken into custody for second-degree assault on a peace officer and obstruction.

Ratliff was not considered a suspect in the death of Ms. Brady and, "No additional charges against him are expected in the future," Byerly said.

Ratliff was released Thursday on a personal recognizance bond.

"Mr. Ratliff and Ms. Brady were common-law spouses who had separated for several weeks and were not living together at the time of the incident. There is no significant law enforcement history of issues between the couple and they have one 8-year-old child together," Byerly said.

Full results from an autopsy conducted Friday are still pending and could take two weeks.

"Currently the death of Ms. Brady is still being considered suspicious," Byerly said.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation and district attorney investigators are continuing the investigation.

A memorial service for Ms. Brady is slated for 2 p.m. today at Valley Bible Church in Westcliffe and mourners are encouraged to wear tie-dye in honor of her tie-dye T-shirt business.

"We would like to offer our thoughts and prayers to the family of Ms. Brady. We wish them peace during this difficult time," Byerly said.

tharmon@chieftain.com