Smith sentenced for threatening to kill his son

Dale Ivan Smith, 80, of Caldwell, was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison for assault with intent to commit a serious felony, murder. He could be eligible for parole after four years. He was also ordered to have no contact with his son for 15 years.

Smith was charged after his son, Bryan Smith, spotted his father’s car outside his Idaho Falls home November 16, 2017.

Police learned that the elder Smith had threatened to kill his son after a legal disagreement involving the custody of Dale Smith’s wife, Bryan’s mother.

Smith was found with an AK-47 firearm, as well as several other guns and 15 pineapple grenades.

Dale Smith accepted an Alford Plea, agreeing there would probably be enough evidence to convict him if the case went to trial, but did not acknowledge guilt. Additional charges of first-degree stalking, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of destructive devices or bombs were dismissed.