COCOLALLA — A first-degree murder charge is pending against a Cocolalla man who allegedly shot his son to death last month, according to Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall.

James Michael Costello Sr. is being held at the Kootenai County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail, Marshall said.

Costello, 71, is accused of killing his son, James Michael Costello Jr., inside the converted municipal transit bus they used as a home on Nov. 9. The elder Costello was subsequently arrested on a felony eluding charge and a misdemeanor drunken driving charge in Kootenai County. Remarks he made regarding his son during his arrest prompted authorities in Bonner County to conduct a welfare check which led to the discovery of the younger Costello’s body.

The case against Costello Sr. remains under seal. However, it was opened briefly enough for Blue Sky Broadcasting to view a police affidavit. The radio outlet reported that the elder Costello disabled surveillance camera in the vehicle before repeatedly shooting his son in the chest. He allegedly dropped off the murder weapon at a friend’s house after the killing in an attempt to mislead investigators, the news report said.

Blue Sky further reported that James Costello Sr. was found bloody and bruised. Under questioning at the Kootenai County Jail, the elder Costello allegedly admitted that it was possible he murdered his son, but couldn’t remember what had happened.

The killing off Pinewood Lane put residents of the rural lakeside neighborhood on edge. They said the younger Costello has been known to roam the neighborhood looking for work, while the older Costello was allegedly known for making threats against those he disagreed with.

But Jeff Beeman said the younger Costello is being unfairly portrayed by neighbors. He recalled James Costello Jr. as a hard worker with a kind heart.

“James (Jr.) is being vilified and I don’t think he deserves that. He was pretty thoughtful,” said Beeman.

Beeman said the elder Costello struggled with alcohol abuse and the younger Costello served as his caregiver.

“He revered his dad,” Beeman said.

The case against the elder Costello is expected to unseal upon his video arraignment in Bonner County Magistrate Court on the premeditated murder charge. It’s unclear, however, when James Costello Sr. will appear in court.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.