An Indiana man charged with the fatal stabbing of a grocery store employee in December 2023 is now nearing the conclusion of his trial.
Jermard Lewis, 32, is accused of murdering 59-year-old Perla Nieto after a confrontation at a Kroger in Waynedale, Indiana. What began as a misunderstanding reportedly escalated into a heated dispute that Lewis allegedly could not let go.
The incident occurred on December 7, 2023, around 10:30 a.m., when Lewis and his girlfriend visited the store where Nieto worked. Lewis believed he heard his name called over the store’s intercom system and approached Nieto. She denied making the announcement. According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Lewis insisted that if his name had indeed been called, it was “rude.” Witnesses at the scene described Lewis as being confrontational, despite his claims of not being aggressive. It was later revealed that the name called over the intercom closely resembled Lewis’ name but was not actually his.
The tension continued when Lewis called for a store manager. The manager attempted to mediate, and Lewis testified that the manager suggested he continue shopping. However, Lewis claimed that Nieto repeatedly told him to “shut up” and instructed him to leave. After a brief departure, Lewis returned to the store about 35 minutes later. He explained in court that he intended to speak with the manager again to settle the matter, but upon returning, he encountered Nieto first. Lewis stated that when he touched her shoulder, she “swung” at him.
Lewis admitted to stabbing Nieto but denied any intention to kill her. When asked how many times he stabbed her with a pocketknife, he reportedly responded, “enough times not to care.” Initially, his defense team explored an insanity defense, but that argument was later dropped. Instead, they have proposed that Lewis be charged with manslaughter, not murder, pointing to his testimony that he did not plan to kill Nieto.
Nieto is remembered fondly in her community as a “wonderful, kind and caring wife, mother, and grandmother,” who will be deeply missed.
Closing arguments are set for Friday morning, after which the jury will begin deliberations.