Idaho State Police Investigate Homicides Related to Escaped Inmate Capture

Idaho State Police (ISP) detectives, in collaboration with multiple city, county, and federal agencies, continue to actively investigate two homicides believed to be related to the escape of Skylar Meade from Idaho Department of Corrections custody, with assistance from Nicholas Umphenour, shortly after 2 a.m. on March 20, 2024, in Boise, Idaho.

After fleeing Boise in a stolen Honda Civic, detectives believe Meade and Umphenour drove north through Idaho and encountered 83-year-old James L. Mauney, of Juliaetta, ID, as he walked his dogs near Juliaetta. Mauney and his dogs were taken and driven eastbound in his silver 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. On March 20, in a desolate area near Leland, law enforcement located the abandoned Honda Civic and later found the body of Mauney nearby. At this time, detectives do not believe Mauney knew the suspects.

Also on March 20, ISP worked with the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the homicide of 72-year-old Gerald “Don” Henderson at his residence in a secluded area outside Orofino. Mauney’s dogs and a pair of shackles (believed to be left by Skylar Meade) were located at Henderson’s residence. Detectives believe Henderson may have been acquainted with the suspects, but the duration and extent are unknown. Authorities later returned Mauney’s dogs to his family members unharmed.

Based on leads and tips, on March 21, law enforcement located the stolen Chrysler Pacifica at a residence in Filer and believe the suspects may have traveled through Missoula, Montana, to get there. As law enforcement secured the area around the residence, Meade and Umphenour left in different vehicles. Meade was stopped and arrested nearby, while Umphenour attempted to flee but was pursued and ultimately apprehended. Both were captured without further incident, and no gunshots were fired.

During Meade’s arrest, a 52-year-old female from Filer was taken into custody on charges related to Meade’s flight from the residence. She was booked into the Twin Falls County Jail.

The Clearwater County Coroner’s Office and the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office have identified the homicide victims in their respective jurisdictions. However, both causes and manners of death remain under investigation.

The investigation into these criminal acts continue, with law enforcement remaining dedicated to seeking justice for the victims and safeguarding the community’s well-being. Given the gravity of the crimes, ISP is grateful for the considerable media attention, valuable community tips, and collaborative efforts by all law enforcement agencies, which played a pivotal role in resolving this case.

As this case remains an active investigation, we do not anticipate any additional updates in the near future.

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PAO

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Posted in District 1 - Northern Idaho, District 2 - Central Idaho, District 3 - Western Idaho, District 4 - Southern Idaho, District 5 - Southeastern Idaho, District 6 - Eastern Idaho