UPDATE: EMPLOYEES IDENTIFIED AND FIRST-DEGREE MURDER CHARGE IN EAGLE GROVE HOMICIDE

February 17, 2021

EAGLE GROVE, Iowa - A press release issued by the Iowa Department of Public Safety on February 16, 2021, stated that at about 5:42 a.m., the Wright County Sheriff's Office received a report of a stabbing at Prestage Foods, located at 3813 Highway 17 in Eagle Grove, Iowa.  Deputies responded and located a deceased individual inside the employee locker room area within the plant.  Deputies identified a suspect and that suspect is in custody. The initial investigation revealed the victim and suspect knew each other.

The victim and suspect, both employees of Prestage Foods, have been identified.  The exact nature of their relationship is under investigation. The victim is identified as Wayne Smith, age 50, of Fort Dodge, Iowa.

The suspect is identified as Lukouxs Brown, age 26, also of Fort Dodge. Brown has been charged with First-Degree Murder and is in custody in the Wright County Jail.  Brown’s initial court appearance is scheduled for February 17, 2021.

This incident remains under investigation with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, all results will be forwarded to the Wright County Attorney’s Office.  

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.