An Iowa judge ruled Tuesday that a girl who was 15 when she killed a man she said raped her multiple times must pay his family $150,000 in restitution.   

  Pieper Lewis, who killed her alleged rapist in 2020, was granted a deferred sentence by Polk County District Judge David Porter after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter.   

  Porter ruled that Lewis would receive five years’ probation, serve 200 hours of community service and pay $150,000 in restitution.  The deferred adjudication means this can be expunged from Lewis’ record.   

  Iowa law requires a court to order offenders to pay $150,000 in restitution if they kill another person.   

  Lewis pleaded guilty in June 2021 to the murder of Zachary Brooks.  According to the plea agreement, Lewis said Brooks, 37, raped her multiple times in 2020.   

  “Suddenly I realized that Mr. Brooks had raped me again and I was overcome with rage.  Without thinking, I immediately grabbed the knife from his nightstand and started stabbing him,” Lewis said in the plea agreement.  “I further acknowledge that the multiple stab wounds I inflicted on Mr. Brooks ultimately resulted in his death.”   

  In court Tuesday, Lewis read from a statement.   

  “My story can change things.  My story changed me,” she said.  “The events that happened on that horrible day cannot be changed, as much as I wish I could.  A complex combination of actions took place that day resulting in the death of one person, as well as the theft of a child’s innocence.   

  “As I grow and develop as a young woman, I feel for the victim’s family.  I wish what happened never happened.  And I really feel that way.  The healing process is inevitable.  I repeat, I wish the events that happened on June 1, 2020 never happened.  But to say there is only one victim in this story is absurd.”   

  Lewis’ lawyer said he was pleased the court was deferring her sentence.   

  “We are very pleased with Judge Porter’s decision in the case.  A deferred judgment will allow Pieper to live a full life,” Matt Sheeley told CNN.   

  “Pieper is extremely grateful for all the love, compassion and support she has received.  Anyone who meets her immediately falls in love with her,” said Sheeley.  “She is a remarkable young woman of remarkable courage.  And she’s amazed at all the love she’s received – she’s just amazed.  Honestly, we are all surprised.”   

  Explaining his decision to order community service, Judge Porter said: “The purpose of this, Ms Lewis, is that you have a story to tell… you should be willing and able to tell that story to other young and vulnerable women in our community.  And therefore, you will give back… through community service hours.”   

  Sheeley did not say whether they planned to appeal the restitution decision in the case.   

  A former Lewis teacher is raising money to pay compensation and future educational expenses.