Spencer, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The South Dakota man charged with the first degree murder of a Spencer man has entered a written plea of Not Guilty.
44-year-old Wade St. John Sr. was taken into custody the morning of August 26th in the death of 38-year-old Djay Loudner. Loudner’s body was found in the alley in the 200 block West of Grand Avenue.  According to a court affidavit, investigators retrieved surveillance footage from a nearby camera. The video reportedly showed St. John engaging in an altercation with Loudner that turned violent. After Loudner fell unconscious, St. John continued to kick him in the face repeatedly. The footage was instrumental in identifying St. John as the suspect.

The Clay County Attorney’s office is prosecuting the case. St. John Sr. is being represented by attorney Amy Kepes from Des Moines