On February 18, 2025, Robert Jackson Mathis, 40, was arrested and charged with attempted murder following a violent stabbing incident in the Bethany area of Rockingham County.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call from 334 Hudson Rd., Summerfield, N.C., where two females had been injured in what is believed to be a domestic violence attack.
At the scene, law enforcement found 78-year-old Julia Gilley and her 42-year-old daughter, Esther Snyder, both suffering from multiple stab wounds.
According to authorities, the assailant, later identified as Mathis, fled the scene in a blue Toyota Corolla owned by Snyder.
Gilley was airlifted to Baptist Hospital with severe injuries to her head and upper body, while Snyder was transported by ambulance to Cone Hospital.
Gilley remains in critical condition, while Snyder is currently listed in stable condition. It was later revealed that the two victims were mother and daughter, and that Mathis was the boyfriend of Esther Snyder.
The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Highway Patrol, immediately launched a search for Mathis.
After a thorough investigation, Mathis was located at a relative’s residence and taken into custody without incident.
Mathis was charged with one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, as well as one count of Attempted Murder.
He is being held in the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility without bond. Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Rockingham County District Attorney Katy Gregg has been consulted, and the case is still under active investigation.
Sheriff Sam Page expressed his gratitude for the swift response and collaborative efforts from the Bethany Fire Department Station 140, Rockingham County Emergency Medical Services, Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, and the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Detectives.
More details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Smh, gotta deport all these illegal immigrants 😉