LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) – Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if a white supremacist gang member in Idaho is convicted of killing a man while on the run after shooting police officers in a plot to help a gang member escape from the prison.

Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Coleman announced Thursday that the death penalty would be sought if Nicholas Umphenour is convicted of a murder charge in the March death of James Mauney, 83, of Juliaetta, KHQ-TV reported.

Umphenour appeared in Nez Perce County Court on Thursday via video from the county jail and is scheduled to be arraigned on Dec. 12. He is being held in custody, news outlets reported. Umphenour’s attorney, Brian Marx, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Umphenour was sentenced to life in prison last month in a separate court case in which he helped inmate Skylar Meade escape from a Boise hospital where Meade had been taken for treatment of self-inflicted injuries. Early on March 20, Umphenour began shooting as corrections officers and Meade left the hospital.

Umphenour shot two of the officers and a third was shot when another officer mistook him for the shooter and opened fire, police said. All three survived.

Umphenour pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting escape and aggravated assault and battery on law enforcement officers in that case.

Meade and Umphenour then fled, investigators said, driving several hours to north-central Idaho.

Mauney had taken his dogs for a walk on a local trail later that morning and never returned. His body was found miles away near Leland, Idaho.

Police said the two men soon after headed back to southern Idaho. Mauney’s stolen minivan was found in Twin Falls, where the men were arrested, police have said.

“Seeking the death penalty is appropriate in this case given the defendant’s complete disregard for Mr. Mauney’s life,” Coleman said in a statement. “We will continue to fight in both this case and the co-defendant’s case to bring justice to the victim.”

Meade has also been sentenced to life in prison in the March 20 escape. He faces the same murder charge in Nez Perce County and the possible death penalty if convicted. He has entered a not guilty plea while his case is pending.