Two members of an Idaho white supremacist prison gang are set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Monday. The inmate, Skylar Meade, and Nicholas Umphenour, who is accused of aiding Meade's escape in an armed ambush at a Boise hospital, face charges related to the escape. Tia Garcia, who allegedly provided the vehicle used during their 36-hour run, is also due in court.
Umphenour faces additional charges of aggravated battery on an officer and using a deadly weapon during the ambush. Both Meade and Umphenour, held on $2 million bail each, are also suspected in the deaths of two men in Clearwater and Nez Perce counties.
The victims have been identified as James L. Mauney, 83, and Gerald Don Henderson, 72. Henderson had previously housed Umphenour for a month during his late teens. The two suspects allegedly stole Mauney's minivan to flee to Twin Falls, Idaho.
Officials have linked Meade and Umphenour to the Aryan Knights white supremacist prison gang, described as a significant issue in Idaho's penitentiary system. Meade, 31, was serving a 20-year sentence for shooting at a sheriff's sergeant, while Umphenour was released in January after theft and gun convictions.
The attack on corrections officers occurred at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, resulting in injuries to two officers. A third officer was mistakenly shot by responding police. All are expected to recover. Tonia Huber, charged with harboring a fugitive, eluding police, and drug possession, is also linked to the escape.
The incident highlights the challenges posed by white supremacist groups within the prison system and the dangers associated with their activities. The upcoming court proceedings will shed further light on the case and the individuals involved.
