COEUR d'ALENE - A 45-year-old Post Falls man who murdered his fiancee in October 2013 was sentenced on Monday to 52 years in prison.

With the decision that was handed down by District Court Judge Benjamin Simpson, Christopher Wayne Thompson, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, was sentenced to a fixed period of 16 years to be followed by an additional indeterminate period of 36 years for a total of 52 years.

The prosecution sought a life sentence with 22 years fixed, while the defense sought a 15-year-sentence with seven fixed.

Post Falls police Capt. Greg McLean declined to comment on the sentencing, but said Thompson's mental health history was factored into the decision.

"The judge thought a lot weighed on the mental health situation," McLean said, referring to limited mental health facilities in North Idaho. "It's a broken system that isn't getting fixed."

Thompson, who has been in jail since the incident, received credit in the sentencing for time served.

Police say that Thompson got into an argument with fiancee Deborah A. Willette, 57, Post Falls, before slitting her throat and attempting to solicit friends to dispose of her body. The crime occurred at the Treaty Rock Apartments, 701 N. Compton, next to Perfection Tire off Seltice Way.

Police were notified of the murder when a family member of Thompson's called with concerns.

Thompson fled the apartment after the incident and went to a relative's residence in Post Falls. When police responded, Thompson was arrested without incident about an hour after Willette's body was found.

Police said they responded to the apartment multiple times in the months leading to the murder due to reports of verbal arguments and possible drug activity.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story reflects the correct sentence for Thompson.