LEWISTON, Idaho – A man who escaped a Boise prison then killed two people will serve life in prison instead of a death sentence, thanks to a plea agreement reached in the case.
Nez Perce County announced Thursday that Skylar Meade pleaded guilty to the murders of James Mauney of Juliaetta and Gerald Henderson of Orofino.
Prosecutors were initially seeking the death penalty; Meade was being represented by public defender Anne Taylor who also defended Bryan Kohberger.
Police say Meade was being transported from a Boise hospital back to prison when Umpenhour came into the hospital firing shots.
The two men escaped and drove north.
During their run from the law, police say they killed Mauney and Henderson.
“This decision was made after careful consideration and after multiple conversations with law enforcement and, most importantly, the victims’ families,” said Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Coleman.
“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 prolonged trial and appeal process,” said Coleman.
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