Winchester Man Pleads Guilty To 2nd Degree Murder

Defendant also Admits Using a Firearm in a Crime of Violence

COEUR D’ALENE – Kenneth D. Broncheau, 48, of Winchester, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of second degree murder and one count of using a firearm in a crime of violence, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.

According to the plea agreement, Broncheau, admitted that on the evening of June 21, 2012, he intentionally shot and killed his mother, Carol Haskell, at their residence located on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. According to the plea agreement, 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. Broncheau then retrieved a container of gasoline from a shed located on the property and returned to the residence. According to the plea agreement, Broncheau poured gasoline on the victim’s 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.

Count one, second degree murder, is punishable by up to life in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. Count two, using a firearm in a crime of violence, carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, consecutive to the sentence imposed in count one.

Sentencing is set for August 19, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.

“Today’s plea is a significant step in addressing violence against women in Indian Country,” said 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.