Skylar Meade pleads guilty to two counts of First Degree Murder

On Dec. 4, Skylar Meade pled guilty to two counts of murder in the first degree for the murders of James Mauney of Juliaetta and Gerald Henderson of Orofino.

As part of the agreement, Meade will be sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.

"This decision was made after careful consideration and after multiple conversations with law enforcement and, most importantly, the victim's families," said Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Colman. "Through this agreement, Meade has admitted to the killings of Mr. Mauney and Mr. Henderson. Meade will spend the rest of his life locked up. The victims' families and communities will be spared a difficult and prolong trial and appeal process," said Coleman.

The resolution means the Jury Trial scheduled for next year is vacated and the defendant waived any rights to appeal the conviction. Due to the plea agreement, Meade will be sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for each count. Nez Perce County Prosecutor's Office and the Clearwater County Prosecutor's Office worked together to reach the resolution. The Clearwater County case was filed Oct. 23 and was joined with the Nez Perce County case Oct. 24.

The case involved numerous law enforcement agencies throughout the State and outside of Idaho. "I want to thank the many law enforcement agencies that were involved for the incredibly had work they put into it," added Coleman. "Special thanks to the Idaho State Police, Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, Ada County and Twin Falls County agencies and Clearwater County Prosecutor Clayne Tyler."

Nicholas Umphenour who is also tied to the case is schedulded for jury trial in September 2026 in Nez Perce County on a charge of Murder 1. He has not been charged for the Clearwater County homicide, at this point. However, he was charged with Injury to a Jail in Nez Perce County earlier this year. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 2026, according to iCourt Idaho.

For further background on the case see: homicidesuspect.

(Photo Skylar Meade, courtesy of Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office)