Authorities in Idaho have identified two elderly men whose deaths are possibly linked to an Idaho inmate and his accomplice who escaped police custody. The victims have been named as 83-year-old James L. Mauney of Juliaetta, Idaho, and 72-year-old Gerald “Don” Henderson of Orofino, Idaho.
Investigations suggest that Mauney did not know the suspects, while Henderson may have had some acquaintance with them. A third suspect, Tonia Huber, was arrested on charges related to the escape attempt.
The inmate, Skylar Meade, and his accomplice, Nicholas Umphenour, were captured after a 36-hour manhunt in Twin Falls, Idaho. The escape occurred as Meade was being escorted from a hospital by corrections officers, who were ambushed by a gunman.
Meade and Umphenour have ties to the White supremacist group Aryan Knights, and they shared a housing unit at a corrections facility. Meade, a documented gang member, was serving a sentence for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.
Law enforcement is investigating the breakout and the events leading to it. Corrections officers were ambushed while escorting Meade, resulting in injuries to two officers. The responding police officer also wounded a corrections officer in the confusion.
The escape led to a statewide investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The capture of the suspects was aided by tips from the public.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the homicides and the escape, while also reviewing security protocols. Despite the incident, officials believe that policies were followed, but a thorough review will be conducted to ensure staff safety and security.
