Challis man sentenced to 20 years in Custer County murder case
UPDATED:
CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) - New details are available about the sentencing of the man charged with killing Patrick Shelton, 47, of Custer County.
Alan Douglas Bruce, 70, of Challis, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 10 years fixed.
Bruce tried to withdraw his original plea at today's sentencing, but was denied, and the sentencing proceeded.
Bruce listened to two witness impact statements from the two daughters of the victim, Patrick Shelton. One daughter revealed during her statement some disturbing letters that Bruce sent to the family, explaining that he felt he did them a favor by dismembering the body so they wouldn't have to pay for funeral expenses.
Bruce was allowed to make a statement of his own. He said he acted in self-defense, that he and Patrick were friends, and that he was trying to protect himself.
The court indicated it did not believe Bruce's actions were self-defense, pointing out that Bruce had gone out of his way to get a gun and purchase night vision goggles.
ORIGINAL STORY:
CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) - The man charged with killing Patrick Shelton, 47, of Custer County, was sentenced to prison on Monday afternoon.
Alan Douglas Bruce, 70, of Challis, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 10 years fixed.
He was arrested in May on felony charges of murder and destruction of evidence related to Shelton's disappearance. According to court documents, Bruce told investigators that he admitted to dismembering and burning Shelton’s body and scattering the remains in the Salmon River.
The Custer County Sheriff’s office reported DNA and skull fragments were found in Shelton's truck in May, but the rest of his remains still haven't been found, even after a lengthy search by Custer County Search and Rescue.
Bruce entered an Alford Plea on October 23, 2025. By entering an Alford plea, Bruce admits that the evidence in the case is sufficient to prove his guilt, but he does not admit to committing the crime. The court will still sentence him as if he had pleaded guilty.
Judge Stevan Thompson also issued a no-contact order prohibiting Bruce from contacting the family. Thompson explained that he considered Bruce's age and poor health, noting that he had a pacemaker when setting the sentence.
