Man Sentenced for Burley Murder

Burley, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KTWT-TV ) A Burley man charged with murder has been handed down his sentenced. Idaho’s First News reports  James Duane Ambrose was sent to prison for the murder of  54 year old Russ Taft. His body was found in a crawlspace of the Alpine Garden Motel in Burley last year.

His car was also stolen after the murder. As an original person of interest, James Duane Ambrose of Burley was finally tracked down in Nevada through "America's Most Wanted."  After authorities located him, Ambrose was arrested and charged with first degree murder and grand theft. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to those charges, and District Judge Michael Crabtree sentenced Ambrose. Taft's family was relieved with the outcome.

The 53 year old Ambrose will serve 30 years to life in prison here in Idaho. But that won't happen until after he spends 22 years to life in prison for home invasion charges in Nevada. At that rate, Ambrose would be 105 years old before becoming eligible for parole.