Bailey Richards | Hazard Herald

Nikki Hurt made her initial court appearance in Perry District Court last where she was arraigned on several charges, including attempted murder and robbery. During a preliminary hearing on Oct. 9, her case would sent to the grand jury for consideration of an indictment.

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HAZARD — The grand jury in Perry County will hear the case against a woman accused of stabbing two people during a gas station robbery, before attempting to stab a third.

Lilli Nichole Hurt, 20, of Bonnyman, entered the Grapevine BP on Sept. 27 around 1 a.m. brandishing a knife, according to police. She then allegedly attempted to take money from the cash drawer before stabbing two people, one of whom is an employee. Police said another employee in the store at the time was able to protect herself with a box before Hurt exited the store.

According to testimony from State Police Detective Gary Sandlin during Hurt’s preliminary hearing on Oct. 9, one of the victims had been stabbed in the hand and up through the wrist. Due to blood loss and trauma, she was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center. The other victim was cut on a finger and treated at Hazard ARH.

Sandlin testified that another person was with Hurt that evening, however, they did not seem to be involved in the robbery.

“There was a guy driving the vehicle, and according to the police officer he actually came into the store before she did,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Teresa Reed. “He bought something and then he went out, and as he was going out that is when she came in.”

Much of the police testimony was based upon video evidence from security cameras on the scene that captured the entire event, Reed noted.

Following testimony at the preliminary hearing, the case was turned over to the grand jury for consideration of an indictment. Reed said it may be some time, however, before an indictment in this case can be returned.

“A case like that, because there are so many different pieces to it, they have interviewed lots of people and several people were hurt, it takes a little bit of time to prepare for indictment,” she explained.

Hurt can be held on the original charges for up to 60 days before being indicted. She is currently being held at the Kentucky River Regional Jail in Hazard.