Skylar Meade stands silent rather than enter a plea for the charge of first-degree murder in a death penalty case

This article has been changed to reflect that Rick Chddihy is death penalty certified 

Skylar W. Meade through his attorney Anne Taylor chose to stand silent rather than enter a plea for the charge of first-degree murder in a death penalty case.

Meade, 32, appeared via Zoom on Thursday afternoon at the Nez Perce County Courthouse with his public defenders, Taylor and Rick Cuddihy, at the Nez Perce County Jail.

When asked by 2nd District Judge Michelle Evans if he was ready to enter a plea, Taylor responded, “your honor, he intends to stand silent.”

Evans noted the decision to stand silent and entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Meade was involved in planning and executing a prison break in Boise on March 20, to which he already pleaded guilty. After escaping, he and Nicholas Umphenour allegedly came to northern Idaho, where the two allegedly murdered 83-year-old James Mauney, of Juliaetta.

Evans asked if Taylor wanted a jury trial scheduled or a status conference hearing. Taylor requested a scheduling conference “fairly soon.” She said Meade didn’t want to waive his right to speedy trial.

A scheduling conference hearing was set for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 5. Evans said the speedy trial requirement, which means the defendant must have a trial within six months of the arraignment, will run out Feb. 4.

Evans reminded Meade that the maximum penalty for the charge was life in prison, but in this case “it could involve the imposition of a death penalty,” Evans said.

Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Coleman filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty Aug. 2 for Meade if he is convicted of first-degree murder. Coleman was in the courtroom Thursday, but Nez Perce County Chief Deputy Prosecutor April Smith was representing the state before the judge.

Cuddihy had been appointed as Meade’s public defender Aug. 1, but with the intent to seek the death penalty, Taylor was also appointed as Meade’s attorney.

According to Idaho’s death penalty rules, an attorney with experience representing defendants in felony cases and selected from the Idaho State Public Defense Commission Public Defender Roster has to be appointed as representation. The defendant also is required to have at least two qualified trial attorneys, including a death penalty-certified attorney. Taylor practices in Kootenai County and has the death penalty certification. She is also handling the case of Bryan Kohberger, who is charged with first-degree murder in the November 2022 deaths of four University of Idaho students.

Evans reviewed Meade’s rights and information and Meade responded that he reviewed and understood those. Meade waived his right to have the indictment read in the courtroom.

Meade and Umphenour were indicted by a grand jury June 10 in Nez Perce County. Umphenour hasn’t appeared in Nez Perce County on the charges.

Meade was taken to Nez Perce County Jail after pleading guilty in July to escaping from prison, possession of a controlled substance and possessing contraband from a correctional facility, and two persistent violator enhancements. He was sentenced to life in prison with a fixed term of 35 years.

Meade and Umphenour are also suspected in the death of Gerald D. Henderson, 72, who was found outside his cabin near Orofino in Clearwater County. No charges have been filed in that case.

Brewster may be contacted at kbrewster@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2297.