CHALLIS, ID – The Custer County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a local man has confessed to the killing of Patrick Shelton, who was reported missing on May 10 after failing to return from a wood-cutting trip.

Deputies initially searched the Big Hill area, where Shelton was believed to have gone. Shelton’s truck and dog were located, but there was no sign of Shelton himself. Custer County Search and Rescue was activated the next morning and continued searching throughout the day and night.

During a concurrent investigation, phone records indicated Shelton’s phone was last active near a residence belonging to Alan Bruce, of Challis. While search operations continued at Big Hill, deputies and investigators from the Idaho State Police began looking into the connection between Shelton and Bruce.

A search warrant was obtained for Bruce’s property. Bruce was brought to the Sheriff’s Office for an interview and was later escorted back to his residence during the execution of the warrant. Authorities recovered evidence at the property indicating that a person had sustained fatal injuries.

Following the discovery, Bruce was interviewed again and allegedly confessed to killing Patrick Shelton and disposing of his remains in the Salmon River.

Bruce was booked into jail on charges including first degree murder and destruction of evidence.  His bond was set at $1 million on Tuesday.

The search for Shelton’s remains in the Salmon River is ongoing. The investigation continues.