Broncheau Guilty of Second Degree Murder

Second Degree Murder Rocks Coeur d’Alene Community

Kenneth D. Broncheau, 48, of Winchester, Idaho, pleaded guilty to second degree murder and using a firearm in a crime of violence, in federal court in Coeur d’Alene.

According to the plea agreement, Broncheau admitted to intentionally shooting and killing his mother, Carol Haskell, on the evening of June 21, 2012, at their residence on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. Broncheau fired two shots from a Savage Arms .243 rifle; the first bullet missed Haskell, the second struck her in the torso causing a mortal injury.

After shooting his mother, Broncheau poured gasoline on her body and set it afire. A neighbor responding to the screams and gunshots, removed the rifle from Broncheau’s hands. Broncheau was taken into custody by law enforcement shortly thereafter and has remained in custody since that time.

Broncheau also admitted to using a firearm in a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, consecutive to the sentence imposed in count one.

“Today’s plea is a significant step in addressing violence against women in Indian Country,” said U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson. “Sadly, this defendant intentionally took his mother’s life. Although his guilty plea cannot fill the void left by his mother’s death, it should send a strong message that federal, state, tribal and Lewis County law enforcement agencies are working cooperatively to investigate and prosecute violent crime on the Nez Perce Reservation.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nez Perce Tribal Police, Idaho State Police, and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Sentencing is set for August 19, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene. Broncheau faces up to life in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release for the second degree murder charge.