The Payette County Prosecutor’s Office charged 19-year-old Michael Dudley with first-degree murder following the death of his stepfather, Howard Schofield IV, on September 18.
Schofield, 47, died at a residence in New Plymouth after a physical altercation that prosecutors say began as a burglary. The incident stems from a dispute over home repairs. Dudley and his girlfriend had paid Schofield $2,250 to remodel their trailer, but no work was completed.
Dudley contacted his mother regarding the lack of labor and subsequently went to her home with his girlfriend to retrieve items as compensation. Prosecutors allege that during this visit, Dudley committed burglary while collecting property such as a television and tools.
Schofield confronted Dudley, accusing him of theft. The verbal exchange escalated into a physical fight. Dudley claims Schofield struck him and pinned him down. During the struggle, a firearm located in the front pocket of Dudley’s sweatshirt discharged.
Dudley stated he never pulled the trigger and did not intend to shoot. He maintains that his actions were self-defense. His girlfriend, who was present but did not witness the shooting, reported hearing Dudley shout, “don’t you hit me” and “get the f- off of me.”
The girlfriend also noted that Dudley had previously joked about shooting Schofield in the foot to compel him to work, a comment Dudley admitted was a poor idea.
Idaho law permits first-degree murder charges when a killing occurs during the commission of another felony, such as burglary. The Payette County Prosecutor’s Office filed the charge based on this legal standard.