Tiffany Perry, an Ansonia resident who stabbed a woman to death at the Riverside Apartments in June 2009, was sentenced to 12 years in prison Thursday afternoon.
“All of this because of a fit of anger. A fit of emotion,” said Judge Richard Arnold. “All of which could have been avoided.”
Perry stabbed Jennifer Lewis, 22, at about 8:30 p.m. June 21 inside the apartment complex on Olson Drive as a large crowd enjoyed a Father’s Day picnic outside.
Perry has been in jail since her arrest shortly after the killing.
She was initially charged with murder, but worked out a plea agreement in which she pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter.
Lewis’ mother, Mildred, addressed the court.
“I have sleepless nights. It really took a toll on me. Sometimes I have anger issues,” she said.
Perry also addressed the court.
“I apologize for all the pain and suffering I have caused,” Perry said, wiping away tears. “Every day of my life I wake up in that cell and it reminds me.”
Perry’s actual sentence is 20 years, but the jail time is suspended after she serves 12 years.
The Stabbing
The dispute between the two women stemmed from jealously issues over a man, Perry’s attorney, Richard Silverstein said. He did not elaborate.
Just before the attack, Lewis knocked on Perry’s apartment door, attorneys said.
Perry answered. An argument ensued outside the door.
Perry took out a knife and stabbed Lewis twice. One thrust pierced her heart. A group of children playing nearby saw what happened.
No Remorse
State’s Attorney Kevin Lawlor questioned Perry’s actions in the minutes after the stabbing.
“(Lewis) was able to stumble a few feet in the hallway, where she died,” Lawlor said. “The defendant didn’t call for help. She closed the door.”
If she was acting out of fear — as Perry and her attorney Richard Silverstein claim — why didn’t she call 911? Why did she go back inside her apartment and shut the door after stabbing Lewis?
Instead, Lawlor said Perry tossed the knife info her bathroom — then sat down inside her apartment and waited.
“I don’t think she even feels sorry for what she did,” Lewis’ mother said.
Perry said she didn’t intend to hurt Lewis. “I know people say I have no remorse. I couldn’t believe I stabbed her myself. I was shocked. And I sat there until the police came and got me.”
Lewis’ mother declined further comment outside court. She said she was too distraught to know what to say. She held a photograph of Lewis and Lewis’s niece. She hugged family members.
Caregiver and Provider?
Silverstein asked Judge Richard Arnold to consider Perry’s background when sentencing her. She grew up in tough circumstances, and overcame family problems to become a caregiver to her younger brother and her own daughter.
She had no prior criminal record, he said.
Members of Perry’s family also spoke on her behalf.
“She’s the type of person that’s always giving people the benefit of the doubt,” said Mary Willis, Perry’s aunt.
A murder impacts the families of the victims and killers, the judge said.
“There is one difference. The victim has no life left. Her family only has photographs of her. The defendant still has life,” Judge Arnold said.
