19-Year-Old Man Charged After Stepfather Fatally Shot in Idaho
NEW PLYMOUTH, IDAHO — September 21, 2026

A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after his stepfather was fatally shot at a home in New Plymouth, Idaho, authorities said.

Michael Dudley of Nampa was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Payette County Jail following the death of 47-year-old Howard Schofield IV.

Police Respond to Shooting
Deputies were called to a home on Southwest 4th Avenue near Adams Road at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 18, after a resident reported a shooting.

Payette County sheriff’s deputies responded alongside officers from the Payette, Fruitland and other local police departments, as well as emergency medical personnel.

Responders performed lifesaving measures on Schofield, but he died at the scene. His family has been notified, and the county coroner’s office is expected to order an autopsy.

Suspect Arrested at the Scene
Dudley was arrested without authorities reporting any outstanding suspects or an ongoing threat to the public.

The person who called 911 was not physically injured. Initial information also indicated that no other people were hurt during the incident.

Police have not publicly released details about what led to the shooting or whether the suspect and victim had been involved in an argument.

Investigation Continues
The Payette County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Idaho State Police Forensic Services crime laboratory, the Payette County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Payette County Coroner’s Office.

Dudley was expected to make his initial court appearance on Monday, September 21.

Authorities have not released further details about possible evidence, a motive or whether additional charges could be filed.

Dudley has been accused of first-degree murder and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Sources
CBS2 News — Nampa teen charged with first-degree murder in fatal shooting of stepfather
KTVB — 19-year-old charged in connection with fatal shooting in New Plymouth