TWIN FALLS, Idaho – The Idaho State Police are investigating multiple homicides related to the capture of an inmate and accomplice on Thursday.
The two men who escaped are inmate Skylar Meade and suspected accomplice Nicholas Umphenour. They fled a hospital after an attack on officers in Boise in a stolen Honda Civic. Officers believe that the two traveled through Idaho continuing their crimes.
They believe the two men met 83-year-old James L. Mauney, of Juliaetta, ID who was reported as missing on Thursday after walking his dogs and not returning home.
Authorities say Mauney and his dogs were taken and driven eastbound in his silver Chrysler Pacifica to a desolate area near Leland were authorities found the abandoned Honda Civic and Mauney’s body nearby.
Authorities do not believe that Mauney knew the two men.
Later Thursday Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate a homicide of 72-year-old Gerald “Don” Henderson at his home in Orofino.
At Henderson’s residence authorities found Mauney’s dogs and what they believe to be Skylar Meade’s handcuffs. The dogs were returned to Mauney’s family unharmed.
Authorities believe that Henderson did have some sort of connection to the suspects, but his involvement is unknown at this time.
Leads and tips to law enforcement led to police finding the stolen Chrysler Pacifica at a house in Filer. Authorities believe that the men traveled through Missoula Montana to get there.
Police surrounded the house where the car was found and both men fled in different vehicles. Meade was stopped and arrested nearby and Umphenour was chased and then arrested.
Both were arrested safely, and no gunfire was exchanged.
During Meades arrest a woman in connection to him fleeing the house was arrested and booked into Twin Falls County Jail.
The cause and manner of death for the two victims in the escape are still under investigation.
