DOB: 08/23/1985

Case Number: 2024 104115 CFDB

Volusia County Defendant Convicted of Carjacking

DAYTONA BEACH – After a one-day trial, a Volusia County jury found defendant Robert Matthews guilty as charged of Carjacking.

On June 6, 2024, the defendant was caught on surveillance footage banging on the window of a vehicle parked outside of a Daytona Beach diner. He then opened the door, ripped the elderly driver out, threw her to the ground and left in the vehicle.

The victim reported the carjacking to Daytona Beach Police. They immediately notified all surrounding law enforcement agencies about the stolen vehicle.

Within 15 minutes, a Volusia Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the vehicle traveling in Ormond Beach. The vehicle fled from law enforcement and crashed into a tree on Seminole Avenue.

When Daytona Beach Police first engaged with the defendant at the scene, he gave them a fake name. However, a detective was able to determine his true identity.

Matthews eventually admitted to stealing the vehicle and using a fake name during another recent arrest.

“The defendant was previously released from prison in another state for the commission of a violent crime,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “In less than one year, he attacked one of our senior citizens. This time, with the help of the sentencing judge, we will put this violent serial offender away for good. We honor, respect and protect our folks from vicious criminals!”

The case was investigated by the Daytona Beach Police Department. Assistant State Attorney Ashley Terwilleger successfully tried the case for the state. The Honorable Christian Miller presided over the case and is set to pronounce sentence on June 26, 2025. Our office will be seeking for Matthews to be sentenced as a Prison Releasee Reoffender and Habitual Violent Felony Offender.