Jeffery Scoffield died after his nephew allegedly struck him in the head with a large electric flyswatter at a home in Pocatello, Idaho, police say.
Background
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit obtained by East Idaho News and Idaho State Journal, Andrew Scoffield had been living with his uncle for several months. The relationship deteriorated after Jeffery Scoffield gave his nephew a $600 loan, authorities said.
Andrew Scoffield told detectives he claimed his uncle began making disparaging remarks about him, including calling him "his maid," and cut off power to the suspect's living area, according to the affidavit.
Neighbors reportedly told police that Andrew Scoffield had been behaving erratically in the days leading up to the homicide. He was riding a four-wheeler around the neighborhood while hurling profanities, per cops. This reportedly led Jeffery Scoffield to deflate the ATV's tires in response.
The Charges
Andrew Scoffield stands accused of second-degree murder in the death of 57-year-old Jeffery Scoffield. Police say the suspect allegedly unloaded a can of pepper spray on his uncle before taking an electric flyswatter and striking him in the head, causing it to "snap back."
Jeffery Scoffield fell back into a chair, "gasping for air," according to the affidavit. The suspect then fled the scene and went to his friend's house to wash off the pepper spray before officers arrested him a few hours later.
The victim's son told police he received a text message from his cousin admitting to killing Jeffery Scoffield "with an electric fly swatter." He rushed to the home, where he found his father unconscious and covered in pepper spray. He started CPR until first responders arrived, but they pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Andrew Scoffield is held in the Bannock County Jail on a $1 million bond. He is represented by counsel.
Key Takeaways
- Second-degree murder charge filed against Andrew Scoffield in uncle's death
- Police allege suspect used large electric flyswatter as weapon after pepper-spraying victim
- Dispute reportedly stemmed from $600 loan and living arrangement tensions
- Victim deflated nephew's ATV tires following complaints about erratic neighborhood joyrides
What's Next
Andrew Scoffield is next scheduled to appear in court on September 14. The case remains under investigation by the Pocatello Police Department.