Former Fort Dodge Man Faces First Degree Murder Charge

Black Hawk County
A former Fort Dodge resident found guilty of purposely setting fire to a place in Waterloo is now preparing to stand trial for first degree murder.
60 year old John Spooner was found guilty in November 2022 of purposefully starting a fire that killed Waterloo man Tony Grider.
Waterloo Police say Spooner admitted details of the crime to others on scene. Video footage showed him carrying a gas can and lighter near the home when the fire started.
According to court documents, Spooner is scheduled for a final pretrial conference next week and his jury trial is scheduled to begin May 9th.