Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: Mugshot of Robert Eugene Matthews, 39, was found guilty of carjacking on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida. BELOW: State Attorney RJ Larizza of the 7th Judicial Circuit for Volusia, Flagler, Putnam & St. Johns counties, reacts to the guilty verdict.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- After a one-day trial, a Volusia County jury on Wednesday found defendant Robert Matthews, 39, guilty as charged of carjacking in a Daytona Beach courtroom.
Here is a synopsis of what occurred on June 6, 2024, as described by the Daytona Beach Police: Matthews was caught on surveillance footage banging on the driver's side window of a vehicle parked outside a Daytona Beach diner. He then opened the door, ripped the elderly driver out, threw her to the ground, and took off in the vehicle.
The victim reported the carjacking to the Daytona Beach cops. 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.
During another recent arrest, Matthews eventually admitted to stealing the vehicle and using a fake name.
“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 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 Daytona Beach Police Department investigated the case. 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 a sentence on June 26.
"Our office will seek Matthews's sentence as a prison releasee reoffender and habitual violent felony offender," said Haley Harrison, spokeswoman for the State Attorney's Office, which could net him life in prison.
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