Case Summary: Matthew Jared Vukmer has been charged with first-degree murder after his longtime housekeeper, Paula Tilley Floyd, was found fatally stabbed at his home near Hillsborough, N.C., on March 6. In a 911 call, Vukmer's wife described seeing her husband allegedly attack Floyd because he believed she was someone else; Vukmer was later heard in the background saying, "We got Vladimir Putin." Arrested in Virginia the same day, Vukmer waived extradition on April 6 and is set to return to North Carolina as the investigation continues.
911 Call: Wife Says Husband Fatally Stabbed Longtime Housekeeper — "He Just Got in the Truck"
Paula Floyd (left); and Matthew Jared Vukmer.Credit: Gofundme; New River Valley Regional Jail
A North Carolina man has been charged with first-degree murder after his 54-year-old housekeeper, Paula Tilley Floyd, was fatally stabbed inside his home near Hillsborough on March 6, authorities say. Matthew Jared Vukmer was arrested the same day in Grayson County, Virginia, and has waived extradition to North Carolina.
911 Recording Describes Chaotic Scene
Local media obtained a 911 call in which Vukmer's wife told a dispatcher she heard someone fall while she was at her desk and ran to find Floyd. She said her husband, who had been upstairs, came down and "attacked our cleaning lady because he thought she was someone else," according to the call cited by CBS 17 and The News & Observer.
In the background of the recording, Vukmer can reportedly be heard saying, "We got Vladimir Putin," before his wife interrupts him. She also told the dispatcher Vukmer "just got in the truck," and at the time she believed he was leaving to get help.
Paula Floyd.
Arrest, Charges and Next Steps
The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced an immediate charge of first-degree murder and said it began searching for Vukmer after investigators alleged he left the residence soon after Floyd was stabbed. Authorities located and arrested Vukmer in Grayson County, Virginia, later the same day. He was held on a fugitive-from-justice charge there and waived extradition on April 6; he is to be returned to North Carolina to face the murder charge.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether Vukmer has entered a plea, denied the allegations, or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. The investigation and pending prosecution are ongoing.
Remembering Paula Tilley Floyd
Investigators identified the victim as Paula Tilley Floyd, who had worked for the Vukmer household for many years and was 54 at the time of her death. Floyd's family remembered her for an infectious energy and a generous spirit. Her obituary said, "To Paula, family was never limited to blood—it included anyone lucky enough to cross her path," and recalled her love of dancing, playing board games, and keeping joy alive even during hard times.
A GoFundMe has been established to assist Floyd's family with funeral costs and other expenses as they mourn.
Note: This article summarizes available public reports and a 911 recording obtained by local outlets. Authorities continue to investigate; details may be updated as new information becomes available.
Help us improve.
