Trial date for Meade set for February

A trial date for Skylar W. Meade, who has been indicted for first-degree murder, has been set for Feb. 3.

Meade had a scheduling conference that took place Thursday before 2nd District Judge Michelle Evans. Meade was not present and his public defender Anne Taylor said that he waived his appearance by Zoom at the Nez Perce County Courthouse.

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. He faces the death penalty after being indicted by a grand jury in June for first-degree murder.

Taylor and Nez Perce County Chief Deputy Prosecutor April Smith agreed to set a trial date. Speedy trial requires that a trial take place six months after the defendant was arraigned, unless the defendant waives their right to a speedy trial. Meade was arraigned Aug. 8. Smith requested two weeks for trial but Taylor asked for six weeks because it’s a death penalty case.

Evans asked if the attorneys wanted to have a jury questionnaire to help with jury selection.

“I think that would be appropriate,” Taylor said.

Evans set Jan. 9 as the date for submitting the jury questionnaire and Jan. 10 for discussion of the jury questionnaire.

Evans set other deadlines for motions and responses to motions to be filed before the trial, including the final pretrial conference hearing Jan. 23. Evans said that attorneys could schedule more time for motions if needed.

Evans asked if the attorneys wanted to do jury selection before the trial set or start the date of the trial on Feb. 3. Neither Smith or Taylor provided a preference and Evans said they could deal with the question Jan. 10 when they discuss the jury questionnaire.

Taylor told Evans that the defense is still receiving discovery, which is the process where prosecutors and defense attorneys exchange information and evidence that could be used at trial.

Evans notified Taylor that the transcript for the grand jury would be available Monday. The document is only available to attorneys at this time. Grand jury indictments are sealed from the public.

Evans also told Taylor she had a question for Meade that she didn’t take up at the last hearing. She said she received a letter from Meade asking that the attorneys for his case in Ada County represent him in his Nez Perce County case. Evans said she heard from his other public defender, Rick Cuddihy, that the issue had been addressed and resolved.

Taylor confirmed that Meade wanted her and Cuddihy to remain as his attorneys.

Evans said that she could take up the matter again if she receives another letter from Meade or the attorneys could bring it up.

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