BOISE, Idaho – Skylar Meade, an Idaho inmate who escaped custody from a hospital following a violent incident involving correctional officers, has pleaded guilty to escape in the 4th District Court. Meade’s plea comes with the possibility of additional felony enhancements that could increase his sentence when he is sentenced in July.
The violent episode occurred on March 20 at a hospital in Boise when officers from the Idaho Department of Correction were preparing to transfer Meade back to prison after medical treatment. During the altercation, prosecutors stated that Nicholas Umphenour shot two correctional officers, while a third officer was mistakenly injured by a responding police officer. Fortunately, all three officers survived the ordeal.
Following the attack, Meade and Umphenour fled the scene, eventually being apprehended the next day in southern Idaho after initially travelling to north-central Idaho. Umphenour now faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery on law enforcement officers, using a firearm during a crime, and aiding and abetting escape, all of which are felonies. He is set for a hearing later this month.
In addition to his escape charge, Meade also faces potential felony enhancements due to allegations that he conspired or assisted Umphenour in causing harm to two of the officers during the altercation. These specific accusations against Meade will be addressed in a hearing scheduled for June 20, as documented in court filings.
As of now, Meade’s defense attorney has not responded to inquiries, and Umphenour’s public defender was unavailable for comment. The outcome of these legal proceedings will determine the fate of both Meade and Umphenour, as they navigate the consequences of their actions on that fateful day in March.