EAGLE GROVE, IOWA — On Feb. 15, Iowa officials confirmed a homicide investigation following a stabbing at the Prestage Foods pork processing plant in Eagle Grove, Iowa, that left one employee dead. 

According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety (IDPS), the Wright County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a stabbing inside an employee locker room at the facility. 

The initial investigation showed that the victim and the suspect knew each other. The exact nature of their relationship is under investigation. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is also involved in the incident. 

IDPS identified the victim as 50-year-old Wayne Smith. The suspect is Lukouxs Brown, 26, who is currently in the Wright County Jail. Both were employees of Prestage Foods. 

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our coworker, Wayne Smith,” said Deborah Johnson, Prestage Foods of Iowa spokesperson. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all those touched by this awful incident. To assist our employees during this time, Prestage Foods is making professional counseling available.”