Prosecuting Attorney Dwight K. Scroggins, Jr. filed the charge of Second Degree Murder against Michael Ray Courter of St. Joseph, regarding the death of Clyda Spurgeon of St. Joseph. Courter is charged with causing the victim’s death by striking her in the head multiple times with a blunt object. This Class A
Felony carries a punishment range of 10-30 years or life in the Department of Corrections. Eighty-five percent of any sentence on this charge is required to be served before becoming eligible for parole. Court arraignment will be Tuesday, May 17, 2016. The court division and bond have not been determined at this time.