ST. LOUIS, MO (February 20, 2025) — Jeffery Darnell Santee, 41, pleaded guilty today to involuntary manslaughter in the death of his roommate, Jeraun “JR” Spiva, 41, on December 3, 2023, in an apartment they shared in the City’s O’Fallon neighborhood.

The two men were arguing because Spiva had locked the apartment door, and Santee had forgotten his shoes inside. Santee struck Spiva, causing him to fall and hit his head on the concrete. A neighbor who witnessed the argument helped contact Spiva’s mother, who came to the apartment with Spiva’s father.

Spiva had a large bump on the back of his head, was bleeding from his mouth and ear, and speaking incoherently. Recognizing that their son was showing signs of a severe head injury, they took him to the hospital. The next day Spiva was in a coma with minimal brain function. He died the following day.

Santee will serve 10 years in prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Circuit Attorney Adam Field.

“The loss of Mr. Spiva’s life is a tragedy for his family, friends, and the community in which he lived,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “It is our hope that this guilty plea and sentence will bring all those affected by his death a measure of comfort.”

Santee’s case number in Case.net is 2322-CR02946-01.

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