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COCOLALLA — A Bonner County man has entered an amended charge of involuntary manslaughter connected to the shooting death of his son.

According to court records, James Michael Costello Sr., 73, entered an Alford plea of guilty Tuesday to the amended charge of involuntary manslaughter, reduced from a charge of second-degree murder, related to the November 2018 death of his son, James Michael Costello Jr.

Under an Alford plea, a defendant admits no wrongdoing but concedes a guilty verdict could result following a trial. The plea is treated no differently than a standard plea of guilt at sentencing.

Under the binding plea deal, in exchange for the guilty plea, Costello Sr. faces up to a 10-year sentence, with five years fixed. His sentence would be serve concurrently with a sentence he is currently serving for felony eluding in Kootenai County, an incident which led to the discovery of his son's murder.

Fines and fees would be set at the court's discretion, according to documents.

The elder Costello was arrested on Nov. 11, 2018, in Kootenai County on charges of felony eluding and misdemeanor driving under the influence. Costello Sr., who was found bloodied and bruised, told Idaho State Police during his arrest that his son had been hitting him.

Costello Sr., Bonner County sheriff’s officials said at the time of his arrest, made ambiguous remarks about his son which prompted them to conduct a welfare check on the younger Costello.

Costello Jr. was found dead in the narrow aisle inside the bus, having been shot four to five times, with three shots to the chest, according to court documents.

During interviews at the Kootenai County jail, the elder Costello told investigators that he was unable to recall much about what happened but conceded it was “possible” that he shot his son.

Costello Sr. was originally charged with first-degree murder because investigators determined he disabled a surveillance camera prior to the shooting, which occurred during an alcohol-fueled argument. In that argument, the younger Costello alternately threatened suicide and ordered his father to kill him, according to court documents. The younger Costello was also recorded threatening to kill his father.

However, a judge found there was insufficient evidence to sustain a charge of first-degree murder and ordered Costello to be tried at the second-degree level.

Sentencing has been set for July 23.

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.