William Oliver Eyle was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison. The Lapwai man was convicted of killing Elias Albert Spencer in May of 2023 on the Nez Perce Reservation. U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott made the announcement today.
Court records show Eyle’s car broke down in front of Elias’ home. When Elias went to see what was going on, Eyle shot him five times. The records say there was no fight or disagreement between the two men. Statements from the sentencing detail Eyle fleeing the area, destroying evidence, and remaining a fugitive for months. The FBI located him in November, 2023. Eyle was 19 years old at the time of the murder.
Eyle pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder in January this year.
The Judge ordered Eyle to serve five years of supervised release once his prison sentence is over. His mother, Jacinta Wheeler, pleaded guilty to failing to report the murder and advising Eyle to flee. She was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison back in November, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott commended the Nez Perce Tribal Police and the FBI for their work on the case.
