TWIN FALLS, Idaho – The Idaho State Police are currently investigating a series of homicides linked to the escape of an inmate and his accomplice on Thursday. Skylar Meade, the escaped inmate, and Nicholas Umphenour, the suspected accomplice, eluded authorities after a violent incident involving officers in Boise. They managed to flee in a stolen Honda Civic, sparking a manhunt across Idaho as they continued their criminal activities.
Authorities suspect that the two fugitives encountered 83-year-old James L. Mauney, a resident of Juliaetta, ID, who was reported missing after failing to return home while walking his dogs. Mauney and his dogs were abducted and transported to a remote location near Leland, where authorities discovered Mauney’s body near an abandoned Honda Civic. It is believed that Mauney had no prior connection with the two fugitives.
On the same day, the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate the murder of 72-year-old Gerald “Don” Henderson at his residence in Orofino. During the investigation at Henderson’s home, authorities found Mauney’s dogs and what appeared to be Skylar Meade’s handcuffs. The dogs were safely returned to Mauney’s family. While Henderson’s connection to the suspects remains unclear, authorities suspect some level of involvement.
Following leads and tips received by law enforcement, police located the stolen Chrysler Pacifica at a residence in Filer. It is believed that the fugitives traveled through Missoula, Montana, to reach the location. Law enforcement officers surrounded the house where the vehicle was found, prompting the two men to flee in separate vehicles. Meade was apprehended nearby, while Umphenour was pursued and captured later.
All three individuals involved were brought to court on Friday for bond hearings. Meade and Umphenour are both being held on a 2-million-dollar bond, while Tonia Huber, arrested in connection with Meade’s escape, faces a $500,000 bond. Investigations into the cause and manner of death for the two victims are ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the homicides.