An Ottumwa man accused of first-degree murder pleaded not guilty, according to court records.
42-year-old Douglas Spurgeon also faces charges of assault while participating in a felony and going armed with intent. Spurgeon pleaded not guilty to the additional charges as well.
Ottumwa police say Spurgeon stabbed 55-year-old Gerald Sapp of Ottumwa who died from his injuries. The incident occurred on November 11th in an alley behind a residence on North Hancock.
Authorities say witnesses were able to identify Spurgeon and police apprehended the suspect at his home in the early morning hours of November 12th.
A trial has been scheduled for April 12th.
