Indictment in the case of Skylar Meade shows cause of death for Juliaetta man

An unsealed indictment in the case of Skylar W. Meade shows the cause of death for James Mauney, of Juliaetta, was a gunshot to the head.

Meade was involved in planning and executing a prison break in Boise on March 20, to which he already pleaded guilty. After escaping, he and Nicholas Umphenour allegedly came to north central Idaho, where the two allegedly murdered 83-year-old Mauney.

The indictment reads that Meade is accused by a grand jury of Nez Perce County for the crime of murder in the first degree, a felony. The indictment alleges that Meade murdered Mauney on March 20 “during the perpetration of or attempt to perpetuate a robbery by shooting (Mauney) in the head from which he died,” according to the indictment.

An order to unseal the indictment was issued Thursday and the redacted indictment was filed Friday. Grand jury indictments are sealed from the public. The grand jury took place June 10 in Nez Perce County. Umphenour was also indicted in the case, but hasn’t appeared in Nez Perce County. Meade was taken to Nez Perce County Jail last week to appear on the charge.

The indictment also states that Meade either committed the offense directly or aided and abetted in the commission of the alleged crime, according to the document. The indictment is signed by Nez Perce County Chief Deputy Prosecutor April Smith.

According to Idaho law, all persons involved in the commission of crime, either felony or misdemeanor, can be charged whether or not the person was directly involved or aided and abetted. A person can also be charged in the crime if they advised, encouraged, commanded or coerced another person to commit the crime.

Also filed Friday was Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Coleman’s notice of intent to seek the death penalty for Meade if he is convicted of first-degree murder. The state then alleges circumstances in this case that allow the death penalty, according to Idaho code, including that when the murder was committed the defendant also committed another murder; the circumstances of the murder showed that the defendant “exhibited an utter disregard for human life”; the murder was committed in the perpetration of or attempt to commit arson, rape, robbery, burglary, kidnapping or mayhem and the killing was with reckless indifference to human life; and/or the defendant’s conduct shows a continuing threat to society with a “propensity” to commit murder, according to the court documents.

According to Idaho law, the prosecuting attorney has 60 days to file a written notice of intent to seek the death penalty after a plea is entered.

Meade will have his arraignment before 2nd District Judge Michelle Evans at 1:30 p.m. Thursday that will take place on Zoom. Evans signed a document Friday ordering that Meade will appear for court hearings over Zoom unless otherwise ordered by the court, according to court documents.

Meade and Umphenour are also suspected in the death of Gerald D. Henderson, 72, who was found outside his cabin near Orofino. No charges have been filed in that case.

Brewster may be contacted at kbrewster@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2297.