Idaho police have now confirmed the identities of the two homicide victims related to the escape of Skylar Meade from a Boise hospital earlier this week according to an ISP press release.
One of the victims was 83-year-old James L. Mauney of Julietta, ID. Detectives believe that Meade and Umphenour encountered Mauney as he was walking his dogs near Julietta. Mauney and his dogs were taken and driven eastbound in his silver 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. On March 20, police found the abandoned Honda Civic from the initial getaway and the body of Mauney in a desolate area of Leland, ID. Police do not think Mauney knew the suspects.
The other victim was 72-year-old “Don” Henderson. Henderson was found murdered at his residence in Orofino, ID. Mauney’s dogs and Meade’s handcuffs were also found at the scene. Detectives believe that Henderson may have been acquainted with the suspects but are unsure about the duration and extent. Authorities later returned Mauney’s dogs to his family unharmed.
The causes and manners of death remain under investigation.
Police located Mauney’s stolen Chrysler at a residence in Filer, ID. Police believe that the suspects traveled through Missoula, MT, to get there from the residence in Filer, Meade, and Umphenour left in separate vehicles. Meade was apprehended nearby, and Umphenour attempted to flee but was pursued and apprehended. Both were captured with no gunshots fired.
During Meade and Umphenour’s arrest, 52-year-old Tonia Huber from Filer, ID, was also taken into custody on charges related to Meade’s escape.
Meade’s escape and the two related homicides are still under investigation.
Ben DeWitt can be reached at [email protected] or on X @BenDeWitt321