Death penalty filed against Meade for the alleged murder of Juliaetta man

Elected Prosecutor Justin Coleman filed notice Friday that Idaho will seek the death penalty against Skylar Meade for the alleged murder of James Mauney, of Juliaetta, the Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office announced in a news release. 

“After long and careful consideration, I have decided to seek the death penalty in this case,” Coleman said in the news release. “The senseless and random killing of Mr. Mauney and the facts surrounding what led to his death warrant this determination.”

Meade already pleaded guilty to planning and executing a prison break in Boise on March 20. After his escape, he and Nicholas Umphenour allegedly fled to north central Idaho, where the two men allegedly murdered the 83-year-old Mauney, of Juliaetta. On June 11, Meade and Umphenour were formally indicted in Nez Perce County for the murder of Mauney near Leland, Idaho.

Meade and Umphenour are also suspected in the death of Gerald Don Henderson, 72, who was found outside of his remote Clearwater County cabin near Orofino. No indictment has been made in that case.

Meade, already serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 35 years for charges of escape, was transported to the Nez Perce County Detention Facility to face first degree murder charges Thursday.

Meade's arraignment is scheduled for Thursday before District Judge Michelle Evans. Defense attorney Rick Cuddihy has been appointed to represent Meade.