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BONNERS FERRY--Thursday, June 23, the case of State of Idaho vs. Skyler Ingraham heard sentencing arguments.

Defense attorney, Michael Waldrup, argued that Ingraham was not a danger to society and this was a one time occurrence. The arguments “demonized” the victim to try and show that Ingraham was justified in his actions. The support from Ingraham’s family was substantial; over 25 people packed the courtroom and four members were sworn in to testify.

Mother of the defendant, Gaylene R. Ingraham took the stand. In 2001, she was sentenced to prison for drug trafficking, and was previously married to Gregory Coyle, aka the “Ball-Cap Bandit” who confessed to 27 bank robberies, some at gunpoint, over three and a half years during their marriage. On the stand, was the the first time the court heard of an alleged sexual assault by the victim and he had allegedly threatened to kill her children if she told. She also stated that she witnessed the victim physically and mentally abuse her daughter and mother.

When Bart North, a friend of the family, and father figure for much of Ingraham’s youth, took the stand, Ingraham was visibly upset. North regarded him as a peaceful soul, tenderhearted with zero cruelty.

Dennis Barron, the father to the victim also took the stand for the defense. He witnessed his son’s threats of killings, first hand. When asked by the parole board on his son’s release, he responded with “without the proper rehabilitation, if his son harmed anyone he would come to their rescue and sue the state”.

Next, was the prosecution argument which was presented by Tevis Hull. During his arguments, there were outbursts by the family which were addressed by the court.

Court documents show that the family was also aware of the crime long before authorities were notified by Ethan Nolan. Hull also stated that during a taped pretext call between Gaylene Ingraham and Ethan Nolan, G. Ingraham stated, “we gave him money, a car and you don’t know him, plain and simple. We don’t know where he went.” Hull continued with the taped conversation, Nolan, “everybody’s on board?...G. Ingraham, “yes”. Hull asked G. Ingraham if she had made the previous statements, and she pleaded the 5th.

The pathology report showed the trajectory of the first bullet entering the right side of the back of the head and down through the jaw.

After the first shot, from a .30-30 rifle, it appeared to Ingraham that the victim was “getting up”, therefore he shot again from the same position.

Although the victim had a lengthy criminal record, Hull stated, “respect for humanity is to go through the proper channels.” The victim never presented a gun during the trip, and the defendant had options when threatened; law enforcement and/or parents but chose the one option that was permanent and deadly. The state requested 16 years; eight years determinate and eight years indeterminate.

Prior to sentencing, District court Judge Barbara Buchanan, listened to Skyler Ingraham’s tearful apology stating that he would go back if he could and he understands that he should have gone to the police but did not. Due to the aggravating circumstances, he “executed a person” and was not self defense which is the most serious crime, Buchanan sentenced Ingraham to 12 years, four years determinate and eight years indeterminate; jurisdiction not retained, 258 days credit and $245.50 in court costs.