Law enforcement agencies in Idaho are investigating a series of events involving an inmate, Skylar Meade, and his accomplice, Nicholas Umphenour, who allegedly helped him escape from a hospital visit. The escape occurred as Meade was being discharged from Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, where he was taken after engaging in self-injurious behavior at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.
During the escape, the inmate and his accomplice ambushed corrections officers, shooting two of them before fleeing in a getaway car. Following a 36-hour manhunt, Meade and Umphenour were captured in Twin Falls, Idaho, two hours away from the escape location.
Authorities are now investigating two homicides potentially linked to the escape that occurred in Nez Perce and Clearwater counties. Meade's shackles were found at one of the homicide scenes, and the suspects had possession of one victim's car.
Meade and Umphenour have ties to the White supremacist group Aryan Knights, according to the Idaho Department of Correction. Meade, who was sentenced for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, has prior convictions and is a documented gang member.
Law enforcement officials are looking into the planning of the escape, which was described as a coordinated and violent attack. Despite the high-security measures during Meade's hospital visit, the escape was successful, leading to a statewide investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The Idaho State Police will continue to investigate the homicides, while Boise police focus on the inmate escape and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office looks into the officer-involved shooting. Authorities are grateful that the incident did not result in loss of life and are monitoring the wounded officers for a full recovery.
Experts note that prison escapes are rare, with less than 1% of incarcerated individuals escaping annually. The circumstances surrounding Meade's escape raise questions about potential security breaches and the need for enhanced vigilance among corrections officers.
While initial reviews suggest that security protocols were followed, the Idaho Department of Correction will conduct a thorough review to ensure staff safety and security in the future.
