Man accused in Ingleside stabbing death pleads not guilty

The Ingleside man accused of stabbing a 19-year-old man to death in an argument over marijuana pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County Circuit Court.

James Lewis, 42, faces a prison sentence of 20 to 60 years if convicted of the Feb. 14 slaying of John Herres of Riverwoods.

Assistant State's Attorney Matthew Demartini said Herres was one of a group of people who had gathered at Lewis' house in the 26000 block of Route 134 on the day of the murder.

Lewis had purchased a quarter-ounce of marijuana for Herres and some friends, Demartini said, and a woman in Herres' group accused Lewis of keeping some of the drug for himself.

Lewis pushed the woman, Demartini said, and Herres stepped in to stop the argument.

Lewis became enraged and stabbed Herres in the abdomen with a 5-inch pocket knife, Demartini said.

Herres died that evening at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Lewis, who remained at the scene after the stabbing, was arrested by Lake County sheriff's detectives.

Associate Judge George Bridges set a trial date of May 3 and ordered Lewis, who is held on $3 million bond, to appear in court April 6.

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<ul class="links">

<li><a href="/story/?id=365277">Ingleside man charged with murder in Riverwoods teen's stabbing death<span class="date">[3/12/10]</span></a></li>

<li><a href="/story/?id=359552">Lake Co. stabbing suspect held on $3 mil. bond <span class="date">[2/17/10]</span></a></li>

<li><a href="/story/?id=359246">Riverwoods man dies after being stabbed during argument over pot <span class="date">[2/15/10]</span></a></li>

<li><a href="/story/?id=359167">18-year-old airlifted to hospital after Ingleside stabbing <span class="date">[2/14/10]</span></a></li>

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