Standoff suspect faces murder charges in Eric Leask’s death
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE: 23-year-old Lance Broncho is expected to appear in court Friday facing a total of five felony charges.
Those are aggravated battery, robbery, burglary, unlawful possession of a gun and first-degree murder.
The Idaho Falls Police Department continues to investigate the incident that occurred on March 9 in the 100 block of 4th Street.
Through investigation, officers have determined Broncho entered the residence armed with a handgun and attempted to rob the residents. Two adult male residents attempted to disarm and overpower Broncho. Broncho shot the gun multiple times striking and killing one victim and striking and injuring a second victim. Broncho sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his hand during the physical struggle over the gun with the victims.
Broncho left and was arrested by Idaho Falls Police Officers later at the Teton Mesa Apartments on 885 Lomax Street.
Broncho told investigators he went to the residence on 4th street to obtain marijuana. At this time, it does not appear Broncho had any connection to or knowledge of the residents that would support his assumption he could obtain marijuana from them. At this time, investigators believe Broncho mistakenly targeted the house.
"The Idaho Falls Police Department will continue to investigate this incident and support the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office through the judicial process. We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the individuals affected by this incident."
ORIGINAL: The man accused of breaking into a home and shooting the homeowner is being charged with murder.
Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal filed five felony charges, including first-degree murder, against Lance Johnathon Broncho on Thursday.
Broncho is accused of fatally shooting Eric Leask on March 9, 2024, at his home near the intersection of 4th and Lee in Idaho Falls. According to Idaho Falls Police, Broncho also allegedly shot another individual present in the home.
Following the incident, Broncho reportedly fled the scene to the Teton-Mesa Apartments on the 800 block of Lomax, where he barricaded himself inside for several hours. The SWAT team eventually apprehended him.
Broncho is charged with First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery, Robbery, Burglary, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to court documents. The Prosecutor also filed for penalty enhancements upon conviction for the use of a firearm in the commission of the crimes of Murder and Aggravated Battery.
If convicted of First Degree Murder, Broncho could receive the death penalty or a life sentence with a minimum mandatory of 10 years. The penalties for the remaining charges range between 5 years and a potential life sentence. The enhancement for use of a firearm adds the potential of 15 additional years on two of the counts, the Prosecutor's office said.
An arrest warrant was served by Idaho Falls Police Detectives on Broncho at the Bonneville County Jail on March 14.
Because Broncho is charged with a capital offense with the possibility of the death penalty, a magistrate judge has ordered Broncho to be held without bail.
Broncho will next be scheduled for an initial appearance before a magistrate judge in Bonneville County within 48 hours of being served with the arrest warrant.
Broncho’s criminal history shows he has been involved in at least two prior violent incidents.
In April 2021, Broncho was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in a federal prison after pleading guilty to stabbing a man and stealing his van. He was released in August 2023.
In November 2023, Broncho was involved in an alleged battery. He was accused of beating a man in the head with a bat. That case was later dismissed with prejudice because one of the key witnesses refused to cooperate.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Eric Leask. "His passing has left a void in the lives of his beloved fiancé, as well as their son who is bravely fighting to recover from critical injuries," the posting said.
