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An Idaho-based white supremacist received two consecutive life sentences for the murders of two men following his dramatic escape from prison during a hospital shootout in 2024.
Skylar Meade, alongside fellow white supremacist Nicholas Umphenour, embarked on a 36-hour crime spree after the shootout at the hospital, which was initially triggered by Meade’s self-inflicted facial injuries that necessitated medical attention, according to KBOI. As they departed the hospital en route back to prison, Umphenour—an acquaintance from a previous incarceration—fired upon the guards, and they escaped in a waiting vehicle.
Since 2016, Meade had been incarcerated for aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer, compounded by a firearm enhancement, as reported by CrimeOnline. His criminal record also includes convictions for controlled substance possession, grand theft, and bringing contraband into a correctional facility.
During their statewide rampage, Umphenour and Meade murdered 83-year-old James Mauney and 72-year-old Gerald “Don” Henderson before law enforcement apprehended them in Twin Falls, KBOI reported.
Meade had previously been sentenced to life in prison due to aggravating circumstances related to his escape. Subsequently, both he and Umphenour pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, thereby avoiding the death penalty.
Meade was sentenced Tuesday afternoon. Umphenour is to be sentenced on February 10, KTVB said.
The two men are connected with the Aryan Knights white supremacist gang and met while both were incarcerated at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.