Mugshots of two men are shown.

Homicides in Clearwater, Nez Perce Counties possibly tied to Boise inmate escape

By Lauren Paterson
Mugshots of two men are shown.
This image provided by Boise Police Department shows Nicholas Umphenour (left), who has been identified by police as the man suspected of shooting corrections officers at a Boise hospital in an overnight attack Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to free an inmate. A warrant with a $2 million bond has been issued for Umphenour’s arrest on two charges of aggravated battery against law enforcement and one charge of aiding and abetting an escape, police said. Inmate Skyler Meade is pictured on the right. (Credit: Boise Police Department via AP)

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An inmate escaped from a hospital in Boise, Idaho early Wednesday morning. Idaho State Police say Skylar Meade made his getaway after his alleged accomplice, Nicholas Umphenour, shot and wounded two Department of Correction officers in Boise. A third officer was shot by a police officer who was responding. 

Five hours north – Wednesday night in Orofino, the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office got a call for a welfare check. 

Deputies found one man dead. ISP is now investigating the homicide in Clearwater County and say it may be tied to the escaped inmate. A second homicide in Nez Perce County might also be tied to the case, said a spokesperson for ISP. Neither of the men killed are being identified yet. 

Both suspects were found in Twin Falls and taken into custody on Thursday, March 21st, roughly 36 hours after Meade’s escape. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with relevant information or tip is asked to call Idaho’s Statewide Tip Line at 1-833-610-1026.

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