POCATELLO, Idaho — A dispute between an Idaho man and his uncle reportedly escalated into a deadly confrontation after an argument involving an ATV, with police now accusing the younger man of killing his relative with an unusual household device.
Andrew Scoffield, 21, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of his uncle, Jeffery Scoffield. The incident happened Sunday in Pocatello, a city in southeastern Idaho.
Police were called to a home after receiving a report of a man who appeared to be slumped over and deceased.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by local news outlets, the victim’s son told investigators that he had received a message from his cousin indicating that Andrew may have killed Jeffery with an electric fly swatter.
When the son arrived, he reportedly found his father unconscious and covered in pepper spray. He began performing CPR until emergency responders arrived, but Jeffery was pronounced dead.
Family Dispute Allegedly Turns Violent
Investigators say Andrew had been living with his uncle for several months before their relationship deteriorated. According to the affidavit, Andrew told detectives that Jeffery had loaned him $600, but tensions eventually developed between the two men.
Andrew reportedly claimed that his uncle began making disparaging comments toward him, including referring to him as “his maid.” He also allegedly said Jeffery had cut off electricity to the portion of the home where he was staying.
Meanwhile, neighbors reportedly noticed increasingly erratic behavior from Andrew in the days before the killing. Police said he had been riding a four-wheeler around the neighborhood while allegedly shouting profanities.
That behavior reportedly contributed to the dispute over the ATV.
ATV Tire Dispute Precedes Fatal Confrontation
According to police, Jeffery eventually deflated the ATV’s tires after the incidents involving the vehicle. On the day of the alleged killing, Andrew reportedly told detectives that Jeffery returned home and began yelling at him.
An argument followed, and authorities say the confrontation became physical. The affidavit alleges that Andrew first used pepper spray against his uncle. He then allegedly picked up a large electric fly swatter and struck Jeffery in the head.
Investigators say the impact caused the device to “snap back.” Jeffery reportedly fell backward into a chair and was gasping for air. Andrew allegedly left the residence afterward and went to a friend’s home, where he washed off the pepper spray.
Police arrested him several hours later.
Neighbors Reported Concerning Behavior
The allegations have drawn additional attention because neighbors reportedly noticed changes in Andrew’s behavior before the fatal incident.
Police said his activity in the neighborhood included riding the ATV and yelling profanities, behavior that reportedly created tension before Jeffery deflated the vehicle’s tires.
Authorities are now examining the events leading up to the confrontation as part of the murder case.
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The affidavit describes statements Andrew allegedly made during an interview with detectives after he was advised of his Miranda rights.
As the case moves forward, those statements and other evidence will likely play a role in determining exactly how the confrontation unfolded.
Andrew Scoffield Remains in Jail
Andrew Scoffield is currently being held in the Bannock County Jail on a $1 million bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 14.
The second-degree murder accusation remains a criminal allegation, and the case will proceed through the court system. Authorities have not indicated that a final determination of guilt has been made.
For Jeffery’s family, however, the allegations have turned what began as a family dispute into a devastating loss. Investigators will continue working to establish what happened inside the Pocatello home and what ultimately led to Jeffery’s death.
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