Meade Sentenced to Double Life for 2024 Murders

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Skylar Meade has been sentenced to two life terms without the possibility of parole for the killings of two men following his 2024 escape from Idaho prison custody. Meade was charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of 83-year-old James L. Mauney and 72-year-old Gerald 'Don' Henderson after escaping from the Idaho Department of Correction with the help of Nicholas Umphenour.

Why it matters

The case highlights the serious consequences of prison escapes and the need for robust security measures to prevent such incidents, which can lead to tragic outcomes for innocent victims. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to rehabilitate offenders and prevent repeat violent crimes.

The details

After escaping custody in Boise, Meade and Umphenour allegedly stole a Honda Civic and drove north through Idaho. They encountered Mauney as he walked his dogs near Juliaetta, and Mauney and his dogs were taken. Mauney was later found dead in rural Nez Perce County along with his missing vehicle, a silver 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. That same day, Henderson was killed at his home outside Orofino. Investigators found Mauney's dogs and a pair of shackles believed to have been left by Meade at the scene. Both Meade and Umphenour were arrested the following day in Twin Falls.

• On March 20, 2024, Meade escaped from Idaho Department of Correction custody in Boise.
• On the same day, Mauney and Henderson were killed.
• Meade and Umphenour were arrested the following day in Twin Falls.
• Meade was indicted on June 11, 2024, for Mauney's murder, and prosecutors later connected him to Henderson's death as well.
• On January 28, 2026, Meade was sentenced to two life terms without the possibility of parole.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Umphenour out on bail.