Nampa teen charged with first-degree murder in fatal shooting of stepfather

Nampa teen charged with first-degree murder in fatal shooting of stepfather

A 19-year-old Nampa man has been arrested on a first-degree murder charge after authorities say he fatally shot his stepfather at a home in New Plymouth on Friday evening.

Michael Dudley was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Payette County Jail on one count of first-degree murder following the death of 47-year-old Howard Schofield IV, according to the Payette County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies and other first responders were called to a home on SW 4th Avenue near Adams Road at about 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, after a resident called 911 to report a shooting.

Payette County sheriff’s deputies responded along with officers from the Payette Police Department and Fruitland Police Department, as well as Payette County paramedics. Responders performed life-saving measures on Schofield, but he died at the scene.

His next of kin have been notified. The Payette County Coroner’s Office will order an autopsy. The person who called 911 was not physically hurt during the shooting.

Initial information did not indicate anyone else was injured, and authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public. Officials also said there are no outstanding suspects or persons of interest they are aware of at this time.

Dudley’s initial court appearance is expected Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. The Idaho State Police Forensic Services crime lab, the Payette County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Payette County Coroner’s Office assisted at the scene following the initial response.

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the Payette County Sheriff’s Office.