Murder trial ordered in Santa Rosa slaying, arson

<p>After a two-day preliminary hearing, Judge Dean Beaupre ruled that there was probable cause to order a trial on murder charges for John M. Wayne, 38, and Steven J. King, 28, in the slaying of April Denton.</p><p>Wayne and King are believed to have killed Denton, 52, who was shot to death on Jan. 22, 2006 and her rented house in south Santa Rosa set afire in an apparent effort to cover up the crime. Both men are charged with murder, armed robbery, burglary arson, animal cruelty and carrying a loaded gun. They could face life in prison if convicted.</p><p>Testimony indicated King and a third person drove with Wayne to buy pills from Denton. When King and the friend returned to pick up Wayne, he had blood on his pants. The friend testified that they bought gasoline at a gas station before returning to Denton’s home.</p><p>Denton, who lived on disability from a back injury, sold unused morphine pills for extra income. She apparently sold them to both her children and it was her son who introduced her to Wayne.</p><p>King led police to the gun believed to have been used in the murder. It had been dumped in the San Pablo Bay.</p><p>An arson investigator testified that flammable material was found in several places inside the house. Denton’s body was found in her bedroom.</p><p>The men are due back in court on March 12 when further hearings will be set.</p>