US Teen Who Stabbed Sexual Assaulter to Death with a Weapon Says "I Am a Survivor"

Man Who Stabbed Sexual Assault Perpetrator Over 30 Times to Death
Court Suspends 20-Year Prison Sentence... Orders Compensation and Other Penalties

On the 13th, Piper Lewis (17), who was charged with retaliatory murder of a sexual assault offender, is giving a statement at the Polk County Court in Iowa. Photo by AP News

[Asia Economy Reporter Juri Kim] A U.S. court has deferred a heavy sentence for a teenage girl who stabbed a man who repeatedly sexually assaulted her more than 30 times with a weapon, killing him.

According to CNN and other outlets on the 14th (local time), an Iowa court ordered Piper Lewis (17), who was charged with murder and assault, to pay $150,000 (approximately 209 million KRW) in compensation to the victim's family, five years of probation, and 200 hours of community service.

David Porter, a local judge in Polk County, Iowa, deferred Lewis's 20-year prison sentence, ruling that Lewis could be sent to prison if she violates probation.

This court decision is based on Iowa state law. If a deferred sentence is given, the sentencing is postponed, and after the probation period passes, the charges are dismissed and no criminal record remains.

Lewis, who negotiated a plea bargain on the condition of admitting guilt, acknowledged killing Zachary Brooks (then 37) in June 2020.

At the time, 15-year-old Lewis had left a home where domestic violence occurred and was wandering the streets when she met men who arranged prostitution. One of them was Brooks, who demanded that she have sex with men she met through an online chat app and bring in money.

According to Lewis's claim, Brooks forcibly gave her alcohol and made her smoke marijuana until she lost consciousness. Afterwards, Brooks sexually assaulted Lewis multiple times.

In the same month, at an apartment, Lewis stabbed the sleeping Brooks more than 30 times with a weapon, killing him.

During the trial, Lewis said, "I feel sorry for Brooks's family. I wish that incident had never happened," but added, "However, there cannot be only one victim."

She continued, "I am a survivor (of sexual assault)."

Lewis's attorney told CNN in an interview, "The court's decision to defer Lewis's sentence was the right one," adding, "I was moved by the judge's ruling. With the deferred sentence, Lewis will be able to live a whole life."

Lewis's school teacher started a fundraiser to resolve the compensation issue and has already raised more than $150,000.

The teacher stated through the media that after settling the compensation and debts owed to the state, Lewis will be able to use the remaining money for her education or business funds.

Meanwhile, an activist from the Iowa Citizens' Coalition Against Sexual Violence expressed concern about the court's decision.

He said, "I do not think justice has been served," and added, "(The court's decision) is not the worst, but it is far from the best."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.