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Former Janesville woman convicted of attempted homicide

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Nickole E. Pergande

JANESVILLE — A former Janesville woman accused of slicing her ex-husband’s neck while he showered was found guilty Wednesday of attempted homicide.

Nickole E. Pergande, 36, of 14124 Lang Road, Orfordville, was taken to the Rock County Jail after her bond was revoked. The jury deliberated about four hours and returned a verdict at 9 p.m.

Pergande, a mother of two, faces a maximum of 60 years in prison. Her sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint:

Pergande and her husband, Jaymie Pergande, were married for 3½ years. They filed for legal separation. They have since divorced. Both were laid off from Lear Corp.

Jaymie’s neck was cut Sunday, Jan. 11. He had a 4-inch cut across half his neck. His trachea and jugular vein were sliced open and exposed.

The couple gave different stories as to how Jaymie was injured. The trial appeared to be a case of he said/she said.

Jaymie claimed his wife was stealing from him, was distraught over legal issues and sliced his throat in an attempt to murder him.

Jaymie said he was in the shower when his wife walked into the bathroom and sliced his neck from behind. He called 911, saying his wife cut him. He later told investigators and others that his wife tried to kill him.

He recovered after emergency surgery.

Tod Daniel, Nickole’s defense attorney, claimed Jaymie was lying, that he stressed about the couple’s job loss and was suicidal. Daniel said Jaymie was on three prescription drugs, including Vicodin and OxyContin.

Daniel also claimed Nickole tried to save Jaymie, and that no physical evidence existed to convict her. Nickole also volunteered to take a lie detector test, which was never administered.

Prosecutor Gwanny Tjoa and Rock County District Attorney David O’Leary tried the case. The trial lasted four days.

Nickole also is charged with felony forgery in connection with writing $3,500 in checks in her ex-husband’s name, including $2,000 to another woman and $1,500 to herself, a Janesville police detective testified at Nickole’s preliminary hearing.