IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO. After a sentencing hearing on October 7, 2024, Lance Jonathon Broncho, 23, was sentenced by District Judge Michael J. Whyte to life in prison with no possibility of parole for at least 35 years.

Broncho plead guilty on August 12, of this year to First Degree Murder in the death of 51-year-old Eric Leask and Aggravated Battery in the shooting of 22-year-old Ormead Smith on March 9, in an Idaho Falls home near the intersection of 4th Street and Lee Avenue in the course of a home invasion robbery.

Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal argued for the 35-year minimum sentence while the defense argued for parole eligibility after 25 years.

Eric Leask’s family was present in the courtroom to hear the sentence.

Broncho was also sentenced to 10 – 15 years for the aggravated battery charge, but that sentence will be served concurrently.

Based on the terms of the sentence, Broncho will not be able to apply for parole until at least 2059.

“Idaho Falls Police detectives should get a lot of credit for their thorough investigation which led quickly to an arrest in this case,” remarked Prosecutor Neal.

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