DELTA, CO – A Colorado man has been sentenced to more than five decades behind bars after admitting he killed his employer and attempted to conceal the crime by burying the body. Luke Shelton, 21, pleaded guilty on Aug. 13 to second-degree murder and tampering with a human body in the death of 58-year-old John David “Dave” Vieira.

According to court documents, Shelton was working on Vieira’s property on Jan. 4, 2024, when he shot and killed Vieira following an argument. The confrontation reportedly centered around a dispute regarding a truck. After the shooting, Shelton used an excavator to hide Vieira’s body on the property, later showing authorities the site where he buried the victim.

Investigators said Shelton had been plotting to kill Vieira and steal his equipment, planning to split the stolen assets with an acquaintance. Shelton’s co-conspirator, who was also living on Vieira’s property in a truck, ultimately did not participate in the crime and was the one to notify authorities after Vieira was killed.

Law enforcement responded to the scene after receiving the 911 call. They discovered a patch of recently disturbed dirt, quickly locating Vieira’s body in the area Shelton indicated. Despite attempts by first responders to render aid, Vieira was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shelton reportedly expressed remorse in the aftermath, repeatedly apologizing to deputies who arrested him. According to the arrest affidavit, Shelton told investigators he regretted his actions, admitting, “I guess it wasn’t worth murdering over money” and acknowledging he would “be going away for a long time.”

During sentencing, Vieira’s family spoke about the profound loss and expressed disappointment in the absence of capital punishment in Colorado. Prosecutors highlighted how Vieira had given Shelton a chance for a fresh start by offering him employment, only to be repaid with violence.

Shelton’s legal team emphasized his immediate confession and his deep regret for the crime. Defense attorneys explained Shelton’s actions as a sudden loss of control, underscoring that he accepted responsibility from the very beginning. Shelton chose not to address the court during sentencing.

Delta District Judge Steven Schultz characterized the murder as “a truly evil act,” stating that Shelton’s inability to manage his anger on the day of the killing was “unforgivable.” The judge ordered Shelton to serve consecutive sentences—48 years for murder and an additional eight years for tampering with a body—bringing his total sentence to 56 years in state prison.

Authorities have not filed charges against Shelton’s acquaintance, who cooperated with investigators during the aftermath of Vieira’s death. Shelton will be required to serve nearly the entirety of his sentence before he is eligible for release, officials noted.