LEWISTON, Idaho — Prosecutors have announced plans to pursue the death penalty if Nicholas Umphenour, a member of a white supremacist gang, is found guilty of murdering James Mauney, an 83-year-old resident of Juliaetta, Idaho. This murder occurred during a period when Umphenour was evading the authorities after attempting to assist another gang member’s escape from prison.
Nez Perce County Prosecutor, Justin Coleman, made the announcement on Thursday, emphasizing that the death penalty would be sought in the event of Umphenour’s conviction for the murder charge linked to Mauney’s death in March. Umphenour made a virtual court appearance on the same day from the county jail, where he is being held without bail, and he is set for an arraignment on December 12. His legal representative, Brian Marx, has not provided any immediate comment on the matter.
In a separate legal proceeding last month, Umphenour received a life sentence for his involvement in the escape of inmate Skylar Meade from a Boise hospital. The incident unfolded early on March 20 when Umphenour opened fire as corrections officers transported Meade, who needed medical care for self-inflicted wounds. During this altercation, Umphenour fired at two officers, and a third officer was injured when another officer mistook him for the shooter and returned fire, though all three officers survived the incident.
Post-shooting, Umphenour and Meade fled the scene and drove for several hours to north-central Idaho. Meanwhile, Mauney had gone for a walk with his dogs on a local trail but failed to return, leading to an extensive search. Tragically, his body was discovered several miles away near Leland, Idaho. Law enforcement reported that the two men returned to southern Idaho soon after, where Mauney’s stolen minivan was located in Twin Falls, culminating in their arrest.
Coleman stated, “Seeking the death penalty is appropriate in this case considering the defendant’s complete lack of regard for the life of Mr. Mauney. We’ll continue to fight in both this case and the co-defendant’s case to seek justice for the victim.” In conjunction with this, Skylar Meade has also received a life sentence related to the March 20 escape and is facing the same murder charge in Nez Perce County, along with the potential for the death penalty if convicted. He has entered a not guilty plea as his legal proceedings continue.