Layman pleads guilty

According to court documents, a mediation agreement was filed in November. As part of the agreement, Layman agreed to the guilty charge of second degree murder and agreed to waive his ability to file a Rule 35 motion, which controls a Motion for Correction of Sentence.

He also waived his appeal as of right to conviction sentence and waived right to file a post-conviction relief claim.

Layman is accused of shooting and killing Moses Shearer, 23, St. Maries after an altercation outside of Ridgeview Apartments the morning of June 29, 2022.

Witnesses at the scene were able to identify Layman as the shooter. His vehicle had been discovered abandoned on the St. Joe River Road around 18 miles east of St. Maries near Calder a few hours after the shooting occurred.

The Kootenai County SWAT team, Benewah County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals were able to locate Layman and took him into custody without further incident.

According to court documents, Layman may be sentenced to not more than 23 years fixed, 17 years indetermined for a combined 40 years in prison.

Second degree murder charges typically result in 10 years to life in prison with fines around $50,000.

According to court documents, Layman claimed to have been previously diagnosed with mental health issues including anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.

The court ordered a psychological evaluation of Layman which is to be completed prior to sentencing.

Layman’s sentencing has been set for March 16.