ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — A man is in custody following a violent domestic stabbing that left two women hospitalized, one in critical condition, in the Bethany community of Rockingham County.
On February 18, 2025, deputies from the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from 334 Hudson Rd. in Summerfield, where they discovered two women—78-year-old Julia Gilley and her daughter, 42-year-old Esther Snyder—suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Authorities quickly identified the suspect as 40-year-old Robert Jackson Mathis, the boyfriend of Snyder. After the attack, Mathis reportedly fled the scene in Snyder’s blue Toyota Corolla.
Gilley was airlifted to Baptist Hospital with serious injuries to her head and upper body and remains in critical condition. Snyder was transported by ambulance to Cone Hospital and is listed in stable condition.
A multi-agency manhunt ensued, involving the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol, and other local units. Mathis was eventually located at a relative’s home and taken into custody without incident.
He is currently charged with:
Attempted Murder
Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury
Mathis is being held without bond at the Rockingham County Detention Facility, and additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Rockingham County District Attorney Katy Gregg has been briefed on the case. Sheriff Sam Page praised the swift action of first responders and the coordinated efforts between emergency and law enforcement agencies.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.
