Suspect in Shooting on Nez Perce Reservation Arrested in Pendleton

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Lapwai, ID- A multi-agency manhunt, crossing into three states and three Indian Reservations, came to an end on November 27 in Pendleton, Oregon with the arrest of William O. Eyle for the shooting death of Elias “Suge” Spencer that occurred in Lapwai, Idaho on May 12, 2023.

Spencer was shot multiple times and found deceased after an altercation outside of his home in Lapwai, Idaho on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.

After an extensive investigation conducted by the Nez Perce Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), a federal indictment was issued on October 17, 2023, for the arrest of Eyle and his mother, Jacinta R. Wheeler, who is also currently in federal custody.

The Nez Perce Tribal Police along with the FBI has been actively leading the investigation, while working with multiple agencies, to locate Eyle and bring him into custody. Eyle was brought into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service and is currently being held in Tri-Cities, Washington while awaiting transfer to Idaho.

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The investigation and apprehension of this individual is the result of a cooperative working relationship between the Nez Perce Tribal Police, Umatilla Tribal Police, Yakama Nation Police, City of Moscow Police, FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Nez Perce Tribal Police would
like to extend its appreciation to all agencies involved. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Police Chief Mark Bensen
By: Captain Leotis McCormack
Case Number: 23-T930