A stabbing incident in Ottumwa led to the arrest of a suspect facing multiple charges. The victim required medical attention for significant injuries, and recent developments in the case include a trial verdict.
On September 10, 2024, a serious incident occurred in Ottumwa, resulting in multiple stab wounds to 32-year-old Demetric Edwards. The Ottumwa Police Department arrested 62-year-old Joseph Lewis in connection with the case. Lewis faces several charges, including attempted murder, assault while participating in a felony, willful injury resulting in serious injury, and going armed with intent.
Following the stabbing, Edwards managed to drive himself to the Ottumwa Regional Health Center for immediate medical attention. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to the University of Iowa Hospital for further care.
Lieutenant Jason Bell reported that Edwards provided a statement to police, which has been instrumental in building the case against Lewis. The arrest took place two days later, on September 12, 2024.
On May 8, 2026, after two days of deliberation, the jury reached a verdict in Lewis’s trial, finding him guilty on several charges, although he was acquitted of attempted murder. Lewis displayed a mix of emotions upon hearing the verdict, feeling relieved about the acquittal on the murder charge but facing convictions on other serious offenses.
Sentencing for Lewis is scheduled for June 29, 2026. Further updates will follow as the case progresses.
Photo Credit: Donna Savits, Your Local News Hawk for Ottumwa Radio.
