William Oliver Eyle, a 21-year-old resident of Lapwai, has been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison on charges of second-degree murder, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.
Court records reveal that the incident occurred on May 12, 2023, on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. Eyle's vehicle broke down in front of the home of Elias Albert Spencer. Without any altercation or conflict, Eyle proceeded to shoot Elias five times. The victim was discovered by family members on the sidewalk outside the residence. Following the crime, Eyle evaded authorities, going on the run, destroying evidence, and remaining a fugitive until the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service apprehended him in November 2023. Eyle was 19 years old at the time of the murder.
On January 29, 2025, Eyle admitted guilt to the charge of second-degree murder. Besides his prison term, United States District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford has mandated a subsequent five-year supervised release. Eyle's mother, Jacinta Wheeler, faced her own legal consequences, having pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony for not reporting the murder and advising her son to flee. She received a sentence of 30 months in federal prison on November 14, 2024.
“The murder of Elias Albert Spencer was a senseless act of violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott. “My heart goes out to Elias’ family, whose strength and resolve during this tragedy has been inspiring. While this sentence cannot bring Elias back, hopefully it provides them some measure of closure, while also preventing future acts of violence by this defendant for a lengthy time.”
Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI remarked, “William Eyle’s actions profoundly impacted not only the victim’s family but the community’s sense of safety. While nothing will bring their loved one back, we hope the sentence provides some sense of justice to Elias Spencer’s family and friends. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to solve MMIP cases and ensure safety on reservations.”
The investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nez Perce Tribal Police were commended by Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Traci Whelan and Adam Johnson.
