BOISE, Idaho – An Idaho inmate involved in a violent attack on corrections officers at a hospital has recently pleaded guilty to escape, with potential felony enhancements looming over his sentence. Skylar Meade, the inmate in question, submitted his guilty plea in 4th District Court. His sentencing is scheduled for July, where he could potentially receive a life sentence.
The incident occurred back in March at a Boise hospital, where chaos unfolded as Idaho Department of Correction officers were making arrangements to transfer Meade back to prison following medical treatment. During this time, Nicholas Umphenour allegedly shot two corrections officers, with a third officer sustaining injuries from friendly fire. Luckily, all three officers survived the ordeal.
Following the violent episode, Meade and Umphenour absconded from the scene, initially heading to north-central Idaho before returning to the southern portion of the state, where law enforcement managed to apprehend them the next day. Umphenour now faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery on law enforcement officers, using a firearm during a crime, and aiding and abetting escape. On the other hand, Meade is potentially subject to felony enhancements due to the allegations that he assisted Umphenour in injuring the officers.
The case is still in progress, with Meade set to address the felony enhancements during a hearing in June. However, as of Wednesday afternoon, Meade’s defense attorney had yet to respond to inquiries, while Umphenour’s public defender remained unreachable. The nuances of the case continue to unravel, shedding light on the dangerous dynamics that unfolded during the escape attempt.