Idaho ‘Prison Break’ Suspect Pleads Guilty to Avoid Death Penalty

Armed, dangerous, and on the run. Not something we hear often in Boise--but police had to work overtime, statewide, to track down two wanted suspects after a prison break early the morning of Wednesday, March 20th of 2024.

The story was like something you would see in a movie or crime series--a prisoner sent to the hospital to be treated for wounds early in the morning had an accomplice waiting outside. Upon the prisoner being returned to transport while exiting the hospital, a gunman fired shots at officers of the Department of Correction--and the prisoner made a run for it.

The prisoner, Skylar Meade, successfully escaped with his accomplice and the pursuit made national headlines as they ran across the entire State of Idaho evading police.

Both Meade and his accomplice, Nicholas Umphenour, were eventually captured thanks to hard working local law enforcement officers.

Now, Umphenour, who was facing charges not only for coordinating the escape, but for the murder of an 83-year-old man and a 72-year-old man while on the run from authorities.

According to a local television station, court documents show that Umphenour has accepted a plea deal, which will spare him from the death penalty.

The plea, an 'alford plea', offers a peculiar take on court bargaining. Umphenour has waived his right to a preliminary hearing and a jury trial in exchange for the State of Idaho to not seek the death penalty. The plea does not require the suspect to 'plead guilty' -- but rather allows him to remain 'innocent' while acknowledging that the prosecution does indeed have the evidence to, likely, secure a conviction.