KROGER STABBING TRIAL DAY 3: Attorneys give closing arguments, jury deliberating

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - Attorneys have given their closing arguments in a trial over the deadly stabbing of a beloved Waynedale Kroger employee in 2023.

Jurors are currently deliberating.

Jermard Lewis, 32, could face up to 65 years in prison if the jury finds him guilty of murdering Perla Nieto.

BACKGROUND

On Dec. 7, 2023, Lewis, who has admitted to stabbing Nieto, was at the store with his girlfriend to shop, court records say. He left after arguing with the victim and other Kroger employees.

Police say he threatened staff members before leaving.

He returned about 35 minutes later, walked straight to Nieto in the self-checkout area and pulled her toward himself, court documents say. He then began stabbing her.

He was identified after police reviewed store surveillance video and